What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your actions and preferences over time. This policy explains how cookies are used on the Public Domain Literature Library catalogue.
Essential Cookies
Certain cookies are necessary for the catalogue to function. These include session identifiers that keep you logged in, security tokens, and technical cookies that enable page navigation and access to secure areas. Essential cookies do not require your consent and cannot be disabled through our cookie controls. Without them, basic operations such as moving between pages or accessing your account would not be possible.
Preference Cookies
Where enabled, preference cookies remember choices you make, such as text size, display language, or region. These cookies improve your experience by tailoring the interface to your selections. For instance, if you prefer a larger font when reading a classic like Ethan Frome or a specific volume of Sylvia's Lovers, preference cookies retain that setting. If you disable them, some features may not work as intended, and you may need to reconfigure your preferences each visit.
Analytics Cookies
We may use analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue. These cookies collect information in aggregate form, including pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns. The data helps us improve the site, for example by identifying which reading companions or background guides (like those for A Hazard of New Fortunes or The Odd Women) are most useful. Analytics cookies are set only if you consent, where such consent is required by law.
Advertising Cookies
If advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, advertising cookies may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners, including Google. These cookies track your browsing activity across websites to build a profile of your interests and show relevant ads. They also help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising cookies are used only where you have given consent, where required. We do not serve interest-based ads without your explicit permission.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the catalogue domain itself. Third-party cookies are set by services we use, such as Google Analytics or Google advertising services. We do not control how third parties use their cookies; you should review their privacy policies for details. For example, Google's own policies govern how their advertising cookies operate across their network.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. The exact duration varies by cookie and is typically between a few minutes and two years. Persistent cookies allow us to remember your preferences across visits, so you do not have to set them again each time you return to explore titles like Diana of the Crossways or The Ordeal of Richard Feverel.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage and similar technologies to store data on your device. Local storage can hold larger amounts of information and is not automatically cleared when you close your browser. It is used for similar purposes as cookies, such as remembering preferences or caching data to improve performance. For instance, if you are reading a lengthy work like South Wind, local storage may help maintain your reading progress.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, a cookie consent notice may appear, allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the cookie settings link available on the site. Where consent is given, it remains valid until you withdraw it. We respect your choices and do not re-ask for consent unnecessarily.
Withdrawal of Consent
You may withdraw your consent for optional cookies at any time. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. To withdraw consent, adjust your cookie settings or disable cookies in your browser. Note that withdrawing consent may affect the functionality of certain features, such as personalized recommendations or saved preferences.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies, or set preferences for specific sites. Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent the catalogue from functioning correctly. For guidance, consult your browser's help section. Popular browsers provide detailed instructions on how to control cookies, including options for private browsing that automatically clear session data.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable cookies or local storage, some features of the catalogue may become unavailable. For example, you may be logged out frequently, preferences may not be saved, and certain interactive elements may not work. Essential functionality will still be accessible, but your experience may be less tailored. You can still browse and read public-domain works such as In the Wilderness or Basil, but personalized settings will not persist.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies.
Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact our Manuscript Reviewer at [email protected].