How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
Modern History Library (oqike.com) uses cookies and other local storage technologies to provide, secure, and improve the ebook catalogue. This policy describes the types of storage we may set, the purposes they serve, and the choices available to you.
What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your web browser. Cookies and similar technologies (such as local storage and session storage) allow the site to remember your preferences, recognise your device, and understand how the catalogue is used. We use both first-party cookies (set by this site) and third-party cookies (set by services we rely on, such as analytics or advertising partners).
Categories of Storage
Essential (Strictly Necessary) Storage
These cookies and storage items are required for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as secure browsing, session management, and remembering your cookie consent choice. Because they are essential, they are always active and do not require your prior consent. Examples include a session identifier that keeps you logged in during a visit and a consent-preference cookie that records whether you have accepted optional cookies.
Preference Storage
Where you have chosen to customise your experience — for instance, by selecting a text display option or a reading mode — we may store that preference in a cookie or local storage. This saves you from having to reconfigure your settings on each return visit. Preference cookies are set only if you interact with a customisation feature.
Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)
We use analytics services to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue — which pages are viewed, how long they stay, and which links are followed. This information helps us improve the site’s structure and content. Where analytics cookies are enabled, they collect aggregated, anonymised data. You may opt out of analytics storage through our consent management tool.
Advertising Storage (Where Enabled)
If advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, we may use Google advertising technologies (including Google AdSense and related services) to serve relevant ads. These technologies may set cookies on your device to track your browsing activity across websites, build a profile of your interests, and show you targeted advertisements. Advertising cookies are third-party cookies and are only placed if you have given your consent. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Session and Persistent Storage
Some cookies are session-based: they expire when you close your browser. Others are persistent: they remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. We do not specify fixed durations here because the actual lifetime is determined by the cookie itself and may vary. You can view and manage cookie lifetimes in your browser’s developer tools or settings.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use browser local storage and session storage for similar purposes — for example, to cache interface preferences or to temporarily hold data during a reading session. Local storage is not automatically cleared when you close your browser; you can clear it manually through your browser settings.
Your Choices and Consent
When you first visit the catalogue, a consent notice informs you about the use of optional cookies. You can accept all, reject all, or customise your preferences. If you later change your mind, you can adjust your preferences through the consent management tool (usually accessible via a link labelled “Cookie Settings” or “Privacy Choices” in the site footer).
Withdrawing Consent
Withdrawing consent for optional cookies does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. After withdrawal, we will stop using those cookies unless you re-consent. Essential storage will continue to operate.
Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies, or set your browser to notify you when a cookie is offered. Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent the catalogue from functioning correctly — for example, you may not be able to log in or maintain your session. Instructions for managing cookies are usually found in your browser’s Help section.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you may still browse the public catalogue pages, but certain features will be unavailable. You will not be able to save reading preferences, and every visit will be treated as a new session. Analytics and advertising will not function, which may result in less relevant advertisements (if displayed) and a reduced ability for us to improve the site based on usage patterns.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our operations. When we make changes, we will revise the policy and note that it has been updated. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
Contact
If you have questions or requests regarding this Cookie Policy, you may contact our Literary Critic, Sylvia Atwood, at [email protected].