How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies

When you visit the Historical Engineering Library (unbej.com), we and our service providers may place small data files — commonly called cookies, web beacons, or local storage — on your device. This policy explains what those technologies do, which ones we use, and how you can manage them.

What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit. It allows the site to remember your actions or preferences over a period of time. Other technologies, such as local storage or session storage, work in a similar way but may store larger amounts of data temporarily. We refer to all of them collectively as “cookies” in this policy.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies

These cookies are required for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as navigating between pages, remembering what you have placed in a reading list, and maintaining your session when you log in to save annotations. Without these cookies, parts of the site would not work properly. Essential cookies are set by us and are not disabled by our consent tools.

Preference Cookies

Preference cookies allow the site to remember choices you make — such as your preferred text size, display mode, or language — so that you do not have to set them again on each visit. These are first-party cookies and, where enabled, may persist across sessions.

Analytics Cookies (Where Enabled)

We may use analytics cookies to collect anonymous information about how visitors use the catalogue. This helps us understand which books are most popular, how users navigate between category pages such as “Machines & Inventions — Reader’s Shelf” or “History, Empires & Change: Sources & Perspectives,” and whether any pages are difficult to find. The data we gather is aggregated and does not identify you personally. Analytics cookies are set only if you have consented to them. We currently use a self-hosted analytics solution that does not share data with third parties.

Advertising Cookies (Where Ads Are Displayed)

On some pages, we may display advertisements using Google advertising technologies. If you see ads, Google may set cookies to tailor the ads you see based on your previous visits to this and other websites. These cookies are third-party and are controlled by Google’s own privacy policies. We do not control which ads you see or how Google uses the data it collects. Advertising cookies are only placed if you have given your consent via our cookie banner.

Session and Persistent Cookies

Some cookies we use are session cookies, which are deleted automatically when you close your browser. Others are persistent cookies, which remain on your device for a set period — or until you delete them — so that the site can remember your preferences on future visits. The exact duration varies by cookie and is not fixed in advance.

Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use local storage in your browser to store data such as reading progress or annotation drafts. This data stays on your device and is not automatically transmitted to our servers unless you choose to save it to your account. You can clear local storage through your browser settings.

Your Choices and Consent

When you first visit the site, a cookie banner asks you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of every page. Essential cookies cannot be declined because they are necessary for the site to function.

How to Control Cookies in Your Browser

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually:

• View which cookies are stored on your device and delete them individually.
• Block third-party cookies.
• Block all cookies, including essential ones — but this may prevent the catalogue from working correctly.
• Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being set.

For detailed instructions, consult your browser’s help section. Please note that if you disable all cookies, you may not be able to use features such as saving reading lists, making annotations, or adjusting text preferences.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we do, 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 about our use of cookies, you can reach our Acquisitions Editor, Frances Christie, at [email protected].