Back into the Field

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Joining the Columbia University staff in 1948, Trautman realized that to be an effective professor, he needed to understand the everyday needs of a typical public library. Trautman volunteered for the Board of Trustees of the Yonkers Public Library. He oversaw the growth of its bookmobile program, the purchase of paperbacks instead of only hardcovers, and the development of library outposts to reach the outskirts of the community. He also went on active duty with the Army Reserve and spent several weeks each year in uniform. He was assigned library work and assessed the Army Library Service in 1950 and 1951, praising the work of the new chief librarian, Mildred Young (the first woman to serve in this role), and finding fault in officers’ condescending attitudes toward book-reading and libraries.</jats:p>