The FTRF was established in 1969 by members of the
American Library Association, including
Judith Krug,
Alexander Allain, and
Carrie C Robinson. The organization was founded as "the American Library Association's response to its members' interest in having adequate means to support and defend librarians whose positions are jeopardized because of their resistance to abridgments of the First Amendment; and to set legal precedent for the freedom to read on behalf of all people". Allain felt that there should be overlap of both organizations so that the focus remained centered on intellectual freedom and could be worked on in harmony. Allain also felt that in forming the FTRF with the ALA, the Foundation would be able to benefit from some of the clout and connections that ALA already had. He also suggested keeping policies between the two organizations similar because of his belief in the good work that the ALA does; he was continuously concerned about the ALA in his creation of the foundation and did not want members to see the foundation as a replacement but rather an addition to. The organization's charter describes four purposes for the Foundation, including: Promoting and protecting the freedom of speech and of the press; Protecting the public's right of access to information and materials stored in the nation's libraries; Safeguarding libraries' right to disseminate all materials contained in their collections; and Supporting libraries and librarians in their defense of First Amendment rights by supplying them with legal counsel or the means to secure it. The organization works through litigation,
consumer education, and awarding grants to other individuals and entities working on similar projects. ==See also==