With Amazon talking about releasing 30-minute deliveries via autonomous drones in a few years; some libraries are bound to think, how can we even compete? Easily: With your eBook subscriptions and Your Library Mobile App.

60 Minutes

On December 1st, 60 Minutes aired their “Amazon” segment—an interview between correspondent Charlie Rose and Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos. The segment gained a lot of buzz when Jeff stated that by 2015, he hopes to have octocopters (drones) delivering smaller packages, right to your doorstep. These drones will, supposedly, help facilitate 30 minute deliveries.

Jeff stated that approximately 86% of the items that Amazon delivers are under five pounds; which wouldn’t be too heavy for the drones to carry. He is aiming to provide drone delivery to customers who live within a 10 mile radius of the fulfillment centers.

The main hold back to the project, as Jeff explained, was waiting for the rulings from the FAA.

If Amazon is successful in launching Delivery Drones, the company will be able to offer 30-minute delivery of the latest Stephen King book, delivered by an autonomous drone, right to your doorstep.

How Can a Library Compete?

 Libraries can offer instant, and free eBooks via Your Library Mobile App! Many libraries already offer eBook services through OverDrive, Axis 360, 3M Cloud Library, and other eBook apps. Once people realize they can get eBooks instantly and for free from their local library, the delivery drones from Amazon won’t have as much appeal.

Do your patrons know about your eBook services? If they don’t, be sure to promote those features; you paid for those features, so be sure to advertise them frequently!

If you don’t have an integration for your eBook apps with Your Library Mobile App, contact our Account Manager for information on how you can add the feature to Your App.

The best part about getting free eBooks via Your Library Mobile App? Your patrons won’t have to worry about potential drone-hacking or their prize-begonias getting smashed by a landing drone in order to get their books.

Photo Credits: Delivery Drone image from National Geographic.