How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This page explains how the Public Domain Literature Library (the catalogue accessible at the domain auacy.com) uses cookies, local storage, and similar technologies when you visit the site. Our goal is to be transparent about what data is stored on your device and to give you meaningful control over your privacy.
What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by your web browser. They allow the site to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time. Local storage serves a similar purpose but is stored differently by your browser and can hold more data. Both are widely used to improve the browsing experience.
Essential Cookies
Certain cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of the catalogue. These include cookies that remember your session, maintain your reading list across page loads, and enable secure access to any account features you may choose to use. Without these cookies, features such as saving your place in a long poem or keeping your selected edition of a work would not work reliably. These cookies do not require your prior consent and are set automatically when you interact with the site.
Preference Cookies
We store your choices regarding text size, display settings, and language selection in cookies or local storage. These are functional cookies that improve your experience. Where enabled, they persist across visits so that you do not need to reconfigure your settings each time. For example, if you prefer a larger font when reading The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 8, that preference is remembered.
Analytics and Performance
Where analytics are enabled, we use first-party cookies and local storage to collect anonymised information about how visitors use the catalogue — for example, which pages are most frequently viewed, how long readers spend on guides like Lancashire Songs — A Reader’s Guide, and whether any errors occur. This data helps us improve the site by identifying popular content and fixing technical issues. No personally identifiable information is collected through these cookies unless you voluntarily provide it through a contact form.
Advertising and Third-Party Cookies
If advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, Google advertising technologies may set cookies on your device. These cookies enable Google to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites across the web. The information collected may include browsing activity and device identifiers. We do not control the specific cookies set by Google. For more information, please consult Google’s privacy and cookie policies. Note that advertising may not be present on every page, and you can opt out of personalised ads through your Google account settings.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Some cookies we use are session cookies, which expire when you close your browser. Others are persistent cookies, which remain on your device for a period determined by the cookie itself or until you delete them. The exact duration varies by cookie type and purpose: preference cookies may last a few months, while analytics cookies typically expire after two years unless cleared earlier.
Your Choices and Withdrawal of Consent
When you first visit the catalogue, you may be asked to consent to non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time through the cookie consent banner or by adjusting your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies and to clear local storage. Please be aware that disabling essential cookies or local storage may affect the functionality of the catalogue, such as the ability to keep items in your reading list or to maintain your session.
How to Control Cookies in Your Browser
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser’s settings. Typically, you can:
- View which cookies are stored and delete them individually.
- Block third-party cookies.
- Block all cookies, though this may impair site functionality.
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is set.
Instructions for common browsers are available through their respective help pages. We recommend checking your browser’s support site for detailed steps.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies, you may reach our editorial team at editor@auacy.com. We welcome your feedback on how we can improve your experience.