Information We Receive Automatically
When you visit the Modern History Library, our servers record routine log entries. These may include your Internet Protocol (IP) address, the type and version of browser and operating system you use, the pages you view, the date and time of your visit, and the website that referred you. This information helps us understand how the catalogue is used, diagnose technical issues, and maintain the security of the service.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
If you send a message to the catalogue project (for example, to report a catalogue error or ask a question), we receive the content of your message and the email address you provide. We use this information only to respond to your inquiry. We do not add your address to any marketing list or share it with third parties.
Site Preferences and Local Storage
We may store certain preferences (such as text size or display options) in your browser’s local storage or as cookies. This allows the site to remember your choices on future visits. You can clear these settings through your browser controls at any time.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
Like many websites, we use cookies—small text files placed on your device—to improve your experience. Cookies we set may include:
- Essential cookies that enable core site functions, such as navigating between pages.
- Preference cookies that remember your settings, such as which catalogue view you prefer.
- Analytics cookies that help us count visits and see how readers move through the site. These are used only where analytics services are enabled.
Third-party services that we may use (including analytics providers and advertising networks) may also place cookies on your device when you use the Library. These cookies are governed by the privacy policies of those third parties. We do not control their data practices.
Analytics
Where enabled, we use a web analytics service to collect aggregated, non-personal information about how the catalogue is used. This service may set cookies and collect data such as the pages you visit, how long you stay, and the general geographic region derived from your IP address. The analytics provider processes this data on our behalf under a contract that restricts their use of the information.
Advertising
We may display advertisements on the site. Where advertising is enabled, third-party ad networks may use cookies and web beacons (also called tracking pixels) to serve ads relevant to your interests. These technologies allow the ad network to recognise your device over time and across different websites. Google, as one of our advertising partners, may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to the Library and other websites. You can learn more about how Google uses data collected through its advertising services by visiting Google’s Privacy & Terms site. To opt out of personalised advertising from Google, visit the Google Ads Settings page.
Purposes of Processing
We process your personal information for the following purposes:
- To operate and maintain the Modern History Library catalogue.
- To analyse usage patterns and improve the site.
- To communicate with you if you have contacted us.
- To display relevant advertising, where enabled.
- To detect and prevent abuse or security incidents.
Service Providers
We may engage third-party service providers (such as hosting, analytics, and advertising partners) who have limited access to your information solely to perform tasks on our behalf. They are contractually bound to protect your data and may not use it for any other purpose.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect the information we collect against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for a period necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, after which they are deleted or anonymised. Voluntary correspondence is kept only as long as needed to address your inquiry and for a reasonable follow-up period. Cookie durations vary; some expire at the end of your session, while others may persist for a few months.
Your Choices and Controls
You have several ways to manage your privacy:
- Browser controls: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, and to opt out of local storage. Please consult your browser’s help section for instructions.
- Consent controls: Where we rely on your consent for certain cookies (e.g., analytics or advertising), you may withdraw that consent at any time through the cookie consent banner or settings panel available on the site.
- Opt-out of personalised advertising: You can opt out of interest-based advertising by adjusting your device settings or visiting industry opt-out pages such as the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page or the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your data, and the right to restrict or object to processing. To exercise any such rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.
Children’s Privacy
The Modern History Library is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals below the age of consent. If you believe we have inadvertently received such information, 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 services you visit.
International Access
The Modern History Library is operated from the United Kingdom. If you access the site from outside the UK, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the UK or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate. By using the catalogue, you acknowledge that your data may be transferred to countries that may have different data protection laws than your own.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the date at the top of the policy and may notify you by posting a notice on the site. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact the catalogue project@ligob.com.