How This Catalogue Uses Storage Technologies
Modern History Library relies on cookies and similar local storage mechanisms to provide a functional, secure, and personalised reading environment. This policy explains what types of storage we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
Essential and Functional Storage
Certain storage is strictly necessary for the catalogue to work. These technologies enable core features such as session management, user authentication (where applicable), and remembering your preferences for text display or navigation. Without these, the site may not operate reliably. Essential storage is set by us (first-party) and is typically session-based, meaning it is cleared when you close your browser, though we may use persistent storage for settings you explicitly choose to save.
Preference and Customisation Storage
Where you adjust reading settings—such as font size, theme, or layout—we may store those choices locally so that they persist across visits. This storage is not strictly essential but enhances your experience. You may opt out of such storage, though this may reset your customisations each time you return.
Analytics and Performance Storage (Where Enabled)
We may use analytics technologies to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue—which titles are browsed, how pages are navigated, and general usage patterns. This information helps us improve the catalogue’s organisation and relevance. Where enabled, analytics are performed using aggregated, non-identifiable data. We do not share raw analytics with third parties. You can disable analytics storage through your browser settings or our consent interface.
Advertising-Related Storage (Where Ads Are Displayed)
If advertising is displayed on certain pages, we may use Google advertising technologies, including cookies and web beacons, to serve relevant advertisements and measure their performance. These technologies may be set by Google or its partners and are subject to Google’s privacy policies. Advertising storage is non-essential; you may withdraw consent for such storage at any time. Disabling advertising cookies will not affect your ability to read ebooks, though you may see less relevant ads.
First-Party and Third-Party Storage
First-party storage is set directly by the catalogue—for example, to remember your session or preferences. Third-party storage may be set by services we integrate, such as analytics providers or advertising networks (e.g., Google). We do not control the duration or content of third-party cookies. Where third-party services are used, we have chosen providers that commit to reasonable data protection standards.
Session and Persistent Storage
Session storage is temporary and expires when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a period determined by the technology or until you manually clear it. We do not set fixed durations for persistent storage beyond what is necessary for the stated purpose.
Local Storage and Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use HTML5 local storage, IndexedDB, or similar browser storage mechanisms for performance and offline capabilities. These are treated under the same principles: essential storage is required; non-essential storage is subject to your consent where applicable law requires.
Managing Your Consent and Preferences
When you first visit the catalogue, you may be presented with a consent interface that allows you to accept or decline non-essential storage categories. You can change your preferences at any time by accessing the consent settings (typically via a link in the footer or a cookie settings button). Withdrawal of consent for non-essential storage will not affect the availability of the catalogue’s core content.
Browser Controls
Most web browsers permit you to control cookies and storage through their settings. You can typically block or delete all cookies, or configure exceptions for specific sites. Please note that disabling essential storage may impair catalogue functionality. For detailed instructions, consult your browser’s help documentation.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you may not be able to log in, save preferences, or use certain interactive features. The catalogue will still serve ebook pages, but your experience may be less customised. Analytics and advertising storage, if disabled, will not affect your reading access.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or the way we operate the catalogue. Any material changes will be communicated via the site. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about our use of storage technologies, you may reach us at the editorial address provided on the catalogue’s contact page.