How We Use Storage Technologies

This catalogue relies on cookies and similar local storage technologies to function properly, to remember your preferences, and to understand how visitors interact with the site. This policy explains what types of storage we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.

Essential Storage

Certain cookies and local storage items are strictly necessary for the catalogue to operate. They enable core functions such as session management, security, and the display of ebook information. Without these, features like browsing categories or saving your reading list would not work. Essential storage does not require your prior consent.

Preference Storage

We may store information about choices you make, such as your preferred text size, display mode, or a list of titles you have bookmarked. These preferences are saved on your device so that your experience remains consistent across visits. If you disable this storage, the catalogue will still work, but you may need to set your preferences again each time.

Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)

We use analytics services, including Google Analytics, to collect aggregated, anonymised data about how the catalogue is used. This includes information such as which pages are visited most often, how long users stay, and what search terms are used. This data helps us improve the catalogue’s organisation and content. Analytics storage is non-essential and is only activated if you have consented. Where enabled, Google Analytics may set first-party and third-party cookies. We do not share personal data with Google for advertising purposes unless you have separately consented to advertising cookies.

Advertising Storage (Where Displayed)

If advertisements are shown on the catalogue, Google and other advertising partners may use cookies and similar technologies to deliver relevant ads, measure ad performance, and prevent the same ad from appearing too often. These technologies may collect information about your browsing activity across different websites. Advertising storage is non-essential and is only used if you have given your consent. You can withdraw consent at any time.

First-Party and Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are set by this catalogue’s domain and are used for essential functions and preferences. Third-party cookies are set by services we use, such as Google Analytics or advertising partners, and are subject to the privacy policies of those providers. We do not control how third parties use their cookies.

Session and Persistent Storage

Session storage is temporary and is erased when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a period determined by the provider, unless you delete it manually. The exact duration varies per cookie and is set by the cookie’s expiration parameter. We do not specify fixed durations here because they may change; you can view the details of each cookie in your browser’s developer tools or cookie inspector.

Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use HTML5 local storage to save preferences and session data. Local storage is not automatically cleared when you close your browser; it remains until you or the website explicitly removes it. You can clear local storage through your browser settings.

Your Choices and Withdrawal of Consent

When you first visit the catalogue, you will be asked to consent to non-essential storage categories (analytics and advertising). You can accept or decline each category. If you later change your mind, you can withdraw consent by clearing your cookies and local storage, or by using the consent management tool available on the catalogue. Essential storage cannot be disabled without impairing the site’s functionality.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies and local storage. You can usually find these controls in the browser’s settings or privacy menu. Please note that blocking all storage, including essential types, will prevent the catalogue from working properly. You can also set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being set, allowing you to decide on a case-by-case basis.

Practical Effects of Disabling Storage

If you disable essential cookies and local storage, the catalogue will not be able to maintain your session, and you may experience errors or be unable to access certain features. Disabling preference storage means your customisations (such as bookmarks or display settings) will not be saved. Disabling analytics and advertising storage will not affect the core functionality of the catalogue, but it will prevent us from gathering usage data and may result in less relevant advertisements.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the storage technologies we use or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or about how we handle your data, please contact our acquisitions editor, Louisa Conrad, at [email protected].