Information We Receive Automatically

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers record routine technical information such as your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring page, and the date and time of each request. This data is used to diagnose technical problems, maintain security, and understand general usage patterns. It is not linked to any personal identifier beyond the session.

Information You Provide Voluntarily

If you send a message to the editor via the contact address on the site, we receive the content of your message and the email address you provide. We use this solely to respond to your inquiry. We do not add your address to any mailing list or share it with third parties.

If the site offers optional features such as bookmarks, reading lists, or display preferences, any data you save (for example, a preferred text size) is stored either in a cookie on your device or in a server-side record associated with a pseudonymous identifier you choose. You can clear this data at any time through your browser settings or by contacting us.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Essential Cookies

We may set a small number of cookies that are strictly necessary for the site to function, such as remembering your session or your preference for plain-text viewing. These do not track you across other websites.

Analytics

Where enabled, we use a privacy-respecting analytics service to collect anonymised aggregate data about page views, browser capabilities, and geographic region (at country level only). This service does not use cookies that identify individual visitors. You may opt out of analytics by adjusting your browser’s Do Not Track setting or by using a browser extension that blocks analytics scripts.

Advertising

Some pages may display advertisements provided by Google and other third-party ad networks. These advertisers may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other sites. This practice is known as interest-based advertising. The information collected is anonymous and does not include your name, address, email address, or telephone number.

Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the Internet. You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. Alternatively, you can opt out of third-party cookies used for interest-based advertising through the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out tool.

Web Beacons

Emails we send (if any) may contain a single, invisible pixel that tells us whether the email was opened. This helps us understand the usefulness of our communications. You can disable image loading in your email client to prevent this.

Purposes of Processing

We process the information described above for the following purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue.
• To respond to your inquiries and requests.
• To analyse aggregate usage trends and diagnose technical issues.
• To display advertisements that support the site (where enabled).
• To comply with legal obligations and protect the rights and safety of users and the public.

Service Providers

We may engage third-party service providers (such as hosting companies, analytics providers, and ad networks) who have limited access to your information solely to perform tasks on our behalf. They are contractually bound to protect your information and may not use it for any other purpose.

Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the information we hold against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure, or access. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain server logs for a limited period necessary for operational and security purposes, after which they are anonymised or deleted. Voluntary messages are retained only as long as needed to address your inquiry. Cookie data persists according to the cookie’s expiration settings, which you can control in your browser.

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.

Do Not Track

Our analytics service respects the Do Not Track (DNT) signal if enabled in your browser. We do not change our behaviour for other tracking technologies in response to DNT signals.

Consent Controls

Where required by law, we obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing cookies in your browser settings.

Access, Correction, and Deletion

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, to correct inaccuracies, or to request deletion. To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided on the site. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.

Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so that we can delete it.

External Links

The catalogue 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

Our site is hosted in New Zealand and may be accessed from various countries. If you access the site from outside New Zealand, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in New Zealand or other jurisdictions 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. Any changes will be posted on this page, and if the changes are material, we will provide a more prominent notice (such as a notice on the site’s homepage). Your continued use of the site after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact the editor at the email address listed on the site.