Information We Collect
When you visit the Modern History Library, our servers automatically record standard log data. This may include your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring pages, and the date and time of each request. We also collect information about the device you use, such as screen resolution and language preferences.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
If you send us a message through our contact form or email, we receive the content of your message and any contact details you include. We use this only to respond to you. We do not sell or share this information.
Site Preferences
We may store your preferences—such as text size or display options—in your browser using local storage or cookies. These are not used for tracking.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to help the site function, to understand how readers use the catalogue, and, where enabled, to support analytics and advertising.
Essential Cookies
These are necessary for the site to work. They enable basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas. The site cannot function properly without them.
Analytics Cookies
Where analytics are enabled, we use a third-party service (such as Google Analytics) to collect anonymised information about how visitors use the site. This includes pages visited, time spent, and interactions. We use this data to improve the catalogue and understand which books are of interest.
Advertising Cookies
If advertising is displayed on the site, third-party ad networks may place cookies on your device to serve relevant ads and measure their performance. These networks may use information about your visits to this and other sites to provide interest-based advertising. Where Google advertising services are used, Google may collect data as described in Google’s Privacy Policy.
Third-Party Cookies and Web Beacons
Some third-party services we use (analytics, advertising, or embedded content) may set their own cookies or use web beacons. We do not control these technologies. You should review the privacy policies of those third parties for more information.
Purposes of Processing
We process your data for the following purposes:
- To provide and maintain the ebook catalogue.
- To understand how the catalogue is used and improve it.
- To communicate with you if you contact us.
- Where advertising is enabled, to display relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness.
Service Providers
We may engage limited third-party service providers (for hosting, analytics, or advertising) who have access to your data only to perform specific tasks on our behalf. They are contractually bound to keep your data confidential and secure.
Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet transmission or storage system is completely secure.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Log data is kept for a limited period before being anonymised or deleted.
Your Choices and Rights
Browser Controls
You can set your browser to refuse all or some cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you disable cookies, some parts of the site may become inaccessible or not function properly.
Consent Controls
Where we rely on your consent for analytics or advertising cookies, you may withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences on our site.
Opt-Out of Interest-Based Advertising
If advertising is enabled, you can opt out of interest-based advertising by visiting the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out page or, for Google services, by using Google’s Ads Settings.
Access, Correction, and Deletion
Depending on your location, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data. To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.
Children’s Privacy
Our catalogue is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.
External Links
The site 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
The Modern History Library is accessible from many countries. If you access the site from outside the United Kingdom, your data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United Kingdom or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer, storage, and processing.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically.
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected].