Information We Collect
When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine information that your browser or device sends. This may include your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and language, operating system, referring and exit pages, and the date and time of each request. We also collect information about how you use the catalogue, such as the pages you view and the search terms you enter.
If you choose to contact us via the email address shown on the site, we will receive the contents of your message and the email address you provide. We do not ask for or store any account registration information.
We may store certain preferences in your browser, such as your choice of text size or display mode, using local storage or similar technology.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to help the site function properly, to understand usage patterns, and, where enabled, to deliver relevant advertising. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your web browser.
Essential cookies are necessary for the catalogue to work, for example to remember your session or preferences during a single visit.
Analytics cookies help us learn which pages are most popular and how visitors navigate the site. We may use a third-party analytics service, such as Google Analytics, that sets its own cookies. The information generated about your use of the site (including your IP address) may be transmitted to and stored by that service provider.
Advertising cookies may be used where we display advertisements through Google AdSense or other ad networks. These cookies allow the ad network to recognise your device and serve ads that are more likely to interest you. They also help measure the performance of advertising campaigns.
Third-party advertisers may use web beacons (also called pixel tags) to count visits and understand campaign effectiveness. These beacons do not contain personal data but may be linked to cookie identifiers.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue and its features.
- To understand how readers use the site and to develop new content and functionality.
- To respond to your comments, questions, or messages.
- To detect, prevent, and address technical issues or misuse.
- Where advertising is displayed, to deliver and measure relevant advertisements.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not share your data with third parties for their own direct marketing purposes without your consent.
Third-Party Services
We may use third-party service providers to help us operate the site and understand our audience. These providers have access to your information only to perform tasks on our behalf and are contractually bound not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.
Where Google services are used (such as Google Analytics or Google AdSense), Google may collect and process data as described in Google's Privacy Policy. You can learn about Google's practices and opt out of certain Google data collection by visiting Google's privacy page.
Your Choices and Rights
You have choices regarding the collection and use of your data:
- Browser controls: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Please note that disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of the catalogue.
- Analytics opt-out: You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
- Advertising opt-out: You can opt out of personalised advertising from Google by visiting Google's Ads Settings. You may also opt out of many third-party ad networks through the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out tool.
- Do Not Track: Our site does not currently respond to browser Do Not Track signals. We await a uniform industry standard.
Depending on your location, you may have additional rights under applicable privacy laws, such as the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. Since we collect very little data, requests can be directed to the catalogue project email address listed on the site, and we will respond as appropriate.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect the information we collect from loss, misuse, and unauthorised access. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for a period necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, after which they are deleted or anonymised. Messages you send us may be retained as long as needed to address your inquiry and for legitimate record-keeping purposes.
Children's Privacy
The Public Domain Literature Library is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
Links to Other Websites
The catalogue may contain links to external websites that are not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
International Visitors
The site is hosted in and operated from the United Kingdom. If you access the catalogue from outside the UK, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the UK or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer and processing.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the date at the top of the page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.