Emily Shore will be featured at the Minnesota Library Association Conference for her presentation to equip and empower librarians in reaching youth on the topic of sex-trafficking. It includes the following: a local and global perspective of the scope of trafficking, the profile of a victim, signs of trafficking, common lures, internet and social media connection, cultural and grooming influences, intervention introduction, prevention methods and ways to join the fight. A resource guide will also be made available for further research purposes and a visual reminder of presentation tips.
As librarians spend much time interacting with our communities’ youth, they have a prime opportunity to act as leaders and shakers in the lives around them. More education on this significant issue could open doors to form connections, long-lasting mentor-based relationships, and the ability to intervene on behalf of at-risk or targeted young library patrons. Moreover, librarians will not only have the opportunity to learn more about trafficking on a global and especially local level and be equipped with the necessary tools for potential intervention as well as further research; it could also prove helpful in supplementing scarce library materials on a growing subject.