Information We Collect

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine log data: your IP address, browser type and version, device operating system, the pages you view, the date and time of each request, and the referring website or application. This information is collected for all visitors and is necessary to operate the catalogue, diagnose technical issues, and protect against abuse.

If you choose to contact us via the email address provided on the site, we will receive and store the contents of your message, your email address, and any other personal details you voluntarily include. We use this information solely to respond to your inquiry and for no other purpose.

We may also store certain preferences you set while using the site, such as text-size choices or display options. These are saved in your browser’s local storage or as cookies, as described below.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

The catalogue uses cookies—small text files placed on your device—to remember your preferences and to enable basic site functions. Where enabled, we may also use analytics services (such as a self-hosted or third-party analytics tool) that set their own cookies to measure how the catalogue is used, including which pages are most popular and how users navigate between them. These analytics data are aggregated and not used to identify you personally.

If advertising is displayed on the site, third-party advertising networks may place cookies or web beacons to serve relevant ads and to measure ad performance. These technologies may collect information about your browsing activity across different websites over time. We do not control the data practices of these third parties. Where Google advertising services are used, Google may set cookies and use web beacons in accordance with its own privacy policy.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, and to indicate your preferences for third-party cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the catalogue, including the ability to save preferences.

Purposes of Processing

We process the information described above for the following purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue and its features.
• To understand how visitors interact with the site and to diagnose technical problems.
• To protect the security and integrity of the catalogue and its users.
• To respond to communications you send us.
• Where advertising is enabled, to facilitate the delivery of relevant advertisements and to measure their effectiveness.

Service Providers and Third Parties

We may engage limited service providers (such as hosting companies or analytics platforms) to assist in operating the catalogue. These providers are granted access to personal data only as necessary to perform their functions and are contractually bound to protect that data. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes.

Data Retention

We retain server logs and analytics data for a period sufficient to support site operations, security analysis, and trend evaluation. Personal information you provide via email is retained only as long as needed to address your inquiry and for a reasonable period thereafter for record-keeping. Specific retention periods are determined by operational necessity and legal obligations, and we do not store data indefinitely without purpose.

Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the personal data we hold against accidental loss, unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include encryption in transit (where supported), secure server configuration, and access controls. No method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Choices and Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of any personal data we hold about you. You may also object to or restrict certain processing activities. To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided on the site. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.

You can opt out of analytics cookies by adjusting your browser settings or by using available opt-out mechanisms provided by the analytics service. Where advertising cookies are used, you may opt out of interest-based advertising through industry programs such as the Digital Advertising Alliance or the Network Advertising Initiative.

Most browsers also offer a “Do Not Track” setting. We do not currently respond to Do Not Track signals, but you can manage tracking preferences through your browser controls.

Children’s Privacy

The catalogue 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. Parents or guardians who believe a child has submitted personal data should contact us.

External Links

The catalogue may contain links to external websites, including those of original publishers, archives, or related resources. 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 site you visit.

International Access

The catalogue is operated from New Zealand. If you access it from a location outside New Zealand, your data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in New Zealand or in other countries where our service providers operate. By using the catalogue, you consent to the transfer of your data to these locations, which may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review the policy periodically.

Contact

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please write to [email protected].