Information We Collect
When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine information sent by your browser. This may include your device’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and version, operating system, the pages you view, the date and time of your visit, the time spent on each page, and the website that referred you. We also collect information you voluntarily provide, such as when you send a message to the catalogue project, submit a catalogue suggestion, or configure site preferences. For example, if you contact us about a reading guide like The Crowded Street — Key Ideas to Explore, we will retain the content of your message to respond appropriately.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and understand how the catalogue is used. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. Where enabled, we may use session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which remain until deleted or expired). You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect some features, such as remembering your preferences or the ability to navigate efficiently through category pages like Exploration & Survival or Crime, Mystery & Investigation.
Analytics
We may use analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to collect aggregated data about site usage. These services place their own cookies and may record your IP address, browser information, and actions on the site. The data helps us improve the catalogue and understand reader interests—for instance, which editions or context pages (like The Van Roon — Inside the Classic) are most frequently accessed. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Advertising
Where displayed, we may participate in advertising programs, including Google AdSense. These services use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other websites. Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your browsing history. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. Third-party advertisers may also use cookies; their practices are governed by their own privacy policies. Please note that the presence of ads does not affect the editorial independence of our catalogue content.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue
- To respond to your inquiries and correspondence
- To analyze trends and user behavior, such as which categories (e.g., Historical Social Novels) are most popular
- To detect and prevent abuse or security incidents
- To comply with legal obligations
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share aggregated, non-personally identifiable information publicly, for example to describe general readership patterns. We may share your information with service providers who process data on our behalf (such as hosting, analytics, and email services) under contractual obligations to protect your data. We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or to protect our rights or the safety of others.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Log data is typically retained for a limited period before being anonymized or deleted. Correspondence related to catalogue suggestions or editorial feedback (for instance, about The Pearl Lagoon — Text and Context) may be kept for reference but will be handled confidentially.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your data, and the right to restrict or object to processing. You can exercise these rights by contacting us at the email address below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. For analytics and advertising cookies, you can opt out using the mechanisms described above.
Children’s Privacy
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. Our catalogue is intended for general audiences, and we do not target content specifically at children.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites, including those referenced in reading guides or context pages. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
International Visitors
This 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 jurisdictions where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer. We take reasonable steps to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this policy.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page. Your continued use of the catalogue after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact the catalogue [email protected].