Information We Collect
When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine log data: your IP address, browser type and version, device operating system, the pages you view, the date and time of each request, and the referring website if one was used. This information is collected for every visitor and is necessary to operate the catalogue, diagnose technical issues, and protect against abuse.
If you choose to contact us via the email address published on the site, we receive the contents of your message and the email address you provide. We use this only to respond to your inquiry and do not add it to any marketing list.
We also store certain preferences you may set while browsing, such as display options or language selections, using the methods described below.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies — small text files stored by your browser — and similar technologies to make the site function properly and to understand how readers use it. These include:
- Essential cookies required for basic navigation and to remember your session.
- Preference cookies that remember choices you make, such as text size or category filters.
- Analytics cookies (where enabled) that help us count visits and see which pages are most popular, so we can improve the catalogue.
- Advertising cookies (where displayed) that may be set by third-party ad services to show you relevant ads and measure their performance.
Some pages may include embedded content (for example, from video platforms) that sets its own cookies; we do not control those.
Analytics and Advertising
Where analytics are enabled, we use a reputable service to collect aggregated data about site usage. This service may set its own cookies and record your IP address, but we do not combine that data with any personal identifiers.
Where advertising is displayed, third-party vendors — including Google — may use cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your browsing history. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. We may also use web beacons (tiny transparent images) in email communications or on the site to confirm delivery and measure engagement.
How We Use Your Information
We use the data we collect for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the Public Domain Literature Library.
- To understand how readers navigate the catalogue and which works interest them.
- To communicate with you if you have sent a message.
- To detect and prevent fraudulent or abusive use of the site.
- To comply with legal obligations.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
Service Providers
We may share limited data with trusted service providers who help us host the site, process analytics, or deliver advertising. These providers are contractually bound to use the data only for the services we request and to protect it with appropriate safeguards.
Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for a period necessary to fulfill the purposes described above, after which they are deleted or anonymized. Email correspondence is retained only as long as needed to address your inquiry and for legitimate record-keeping. Preference cookies expire after a reasonable duration or when you clear your browser cache.
Your Choices and Rights
You have the following choices regarding your data:
- Browser controls: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, and to opt out of analytics by installing browser add-ons (such as Google’s Analytics Opt-out).
- Consent controls: Where we use non-essential cookies, we ask for your consent before setting them. You can change your consent at any time through the cookie preference tool available on the site.
- Advertising opt-out: You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out page or Google’s Ads Settings.
- Access, correction, deletion: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, to correct inaccuracies, or to request deletion. To exercise these 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
The Public Domain Literature Library is a general-interest catalogue that includes works suitable for younger readers, but we do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
Third-Party Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites, such as the original sources of public-domain texts or related reference sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies.
International Access
This site is operated from Ireland. If you access it from outside Ireland, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Ireland where our servers are located. By using the site, you consent to this transfer.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the policy and note the change on the site. We encourage you to review it periodically.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected].