Information We Collect
When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine log data. This includes your IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, the pages you view, the date and time of your visit, and the referring website. This information is collected for all visitors and is used to maintain and improve the site.
If you choose to contact us via the email address provided on the site, we receive the content of your message and the email address you send from. We use this only to respond to your inquiry and do not add it to any marketing list.
We may store certain preferences you set while browsing the catalogue, such as display options or reading aids. These preferences are stored locally on your device using cookies or similar technologies where enabled.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to support the functioning of the site, to analyse usage patterns, and where enabled, to deliver relevant advertising. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your web browser.
We use first-party cookies for essential site operations, such as remembering your session or preferences. We also allow certain third-party services to set cookies on your device for analytics and advertising purposes, as described below.
Analytics
Where analytics are enabled, we use a third-party service to collect information about how visitors use the site. This service may set cookies that track your interactions across pages, including the pages you visit, the time spent on each page, and the links you click. The information collected is aggregated and used to improve the catalogue's structure and content.
Advertising
Advertising displayed on the site may be provided by Google and other third-party ad networks. These services may use cookies and web beacons to deliver ads tailored to your interests based on your browsing activity across different websites. This is known as interest-based advertising. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites on the internet.
We do not control the cookies set by third-party ad networks. For more information about Google's advertising practices, you can visit Google's Privacy & Terms site. You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings.
Web Beacons
Pages on the site may contain small invisible images called web beacons (also known as clear GIFs or pixel tags). These are used in conjunction with cookies to help us understand how content is being used, to count visitors, and to measure the effectiveness of advertising. Web beacons may be deployed by us or by third-party service providers.
Purposes of Processing
We process the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the Public Domain Literature Library catalogue.
- To understand how visitors interact with the site and to analyse usage trends.
- To communicate with you if you have contacted us.
- To display advertising that may be relevant to you, where advertising is enabled.
- To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.
Service Providers
We may share your information with limited third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, and advertising. These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as necessary to provide their services to us and to protect the confidentiality of your 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 log data and analytics information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, after which it is deleted or anonymised. Message correspondence is retained only for the duration needed to address your inquiry and for reasonable record-keeping. Retention periods are determined based on operational needs and legal requirements.
Your Choices and Controls
Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, to delete cookies after each session, or to alert you when a cookie is placed. Please note that disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of the site.
Consent Controls
Where required by law, we obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies. You can withdraw or change your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences through the consent management tool provided on the site.
Opt-Out of Interest-Based Advertising
You can opt out of interest-based advertising by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page or the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page. If you are in the European Union, you can also use the Your Online Choices tool. Opting out does not mean you will no longer see ads; it means the ads you see may be less relevant to your interests.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These may include the right to access, correct, delete, or port your data, as well as the right to restrict or object to certain processing. To exercise any such rights, please contact us at the email address provided on the site. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.
Children's Privacy
This site 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 information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
International Access
This site is accessible from many countries around the world. If you access the site from outside Canada, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Canada or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.
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 policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at [email protected].