Information We Collect
When you visit the Historical Engineering Library, our servers automatically record routine log data. This may include your IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, the pages you request, the date and time of each request, and the referring website or application. We collect this information for the operation and security of the catalogue, to diagnose technical issues, and to understand how readers use the site.
If you choose to contact us via the email address provided on the site, we will receive any information you voluntarily include in your message, such as your name and email address. We use this solely to respond to your inquiry and do not add it to any marketing list.
We may also store certain preferences you set while browsing, such as display options or language selections, using local storage or cookies.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies (such as web beacons) to improve your experience and analyse site usage. Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your browser. Where enabled, we use analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to collect aggregated data about how visitors interact with the catalogue. These services may set their own cookies.
If advertising is displayed on the site, third-party advertising networks (including Google) may serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. These networks may use cookies and web beacons to measure ad effectiveness and personalise content. You can learn more about how Google uses data at the Google Privacy & Terms site.
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, and to indicate your preferences for certain types of tracking. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the catalogue.
Purposes of Processing
We process the data described above for the following purposes:
- To provide, maintain, and improve the catalogue and its content.
- To ensure the security and stability of our systems.
- To analyse usage trends and gather broad demographic information.
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of use.
Where we rely on your consent for certain processing (such as non-essential cookies), you may withdraw that consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using the consent management tool provided on the site.
Third-Party Service Providers
We may engage limited third-party service providers (such as hosting, analytics, and advertising partners) who have access to your information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf. They are contractually obligated to protect your data and may not use it for any other purpose.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Log data is typically retained for a limited period before being anonymised or deleted. We do not specify a fixed retention period here because it may vary based on operational and legal needs.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your data, and the right to object to or restrict certain processing. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the email address provided on the site. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. To opt out of interest-based advertising by Google, visit the Ads Settings page. You may also use the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out tool or the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out tool.
Children's Privacy
The Historical Engineering Library is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
International Access
The catalogue is accessible from many countries. Your data may be processed on servers located in countries where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. By using the site, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to and processed in such countries. We take reasonable steps to ensure that your data receives an adequate level of protection.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal data.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the catalogue after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Acquisitions Editor, Frances Christie, at the email address listed on the site.