The Mercer Island School District and the King County Library System (KCLS) have formed a new partnership in an effort to increase student access to online resources.

KCLS will be creating special library accounts in its system for all MISD students so they may seamlessly log in from school, home or from any computer or device. The special student accounts will:

• Be easy for students to remember. The account number will utilize each student’s school ID number preceded by the school district number (400).

• Give each student seamless access. Students will be able to use the array of databases, downloadable materials (through Overdrive) and online homework help services offered by KCLS without needing a physical card.

• Not accrue fines or fees. Since students will only be able to access electronic materials, it won’t be necessary for students to track due dates.

If students already have a traditional KCLS library card, they will continue to be able to use it to checkout materials from the public library and use in-library computers. This new arrangement will supplement the traditional library card and improve each student’s ability to access KCLS online research tools as part of their schoolwork.

Teachers throughout the district will be able to utilize the many resources available through KCLS to complement their curriculum and build students’ experience and expertise utilizing library resources. When this access is used in the district, the resources will be filtered for content appropriate for school. If the access is used outside the district, the resources are not filtered for content.

In mid-October, KCLS will automatically launch the system to each student in kindergarten through 12th grade. If families do not wish their child to be included in the program, they may opt out by completing the form at www.mercerislandschools.org/KCLSOptOut by Oct. 10.

See www.mercerislandschools.org for more information.