How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This policy describes the ways in which the Public Domain Literature Library (operated at xoize.com) uses cookies, web storage, and similar technologies to support the functioning of the catalogue and to improve your experience. We respect your privacy and provide you with choices regarding optional storage.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to the site owner. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and web beacons. These technologies help us remember your preferences, understand how you use the catalogue, and, where enabled, deliver relevant content.
Categories of Storage We Use
Essential Storage
Certain cookies and local storage items are strictly necessary for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as remembering your session while you browse, maintaining your selections in a reading list, and preventing security risks. These do not require your prior consent, as they are required to deliver the service you request. Without them, basic operations like navigating between pages or saving your reading progress would not be possible.
Preference Storage
We may store your preferences regarding display settings, such as text size or theme, and your cookie consent choices. This storage is used to remember your selections across visits. Where these preferences are not strictly essential, we will ask for your consent before setting them. For example, if you choose a larger font size for easier reading, that preference can be saved so you do not need to adjust it each time.
Analytics Storage (where enabled)
We may use analytics services, such as those provided by Google, to collect anonymised information about how visitors interact with the catalogue. This includes pages visited, time spent, and error messages encountered. This data helps us understand usage patterns and improve the site. Analytics cookies are set only if you have given your consent. The information gathered is aggregated and does not identify you personally.
Advertising Storage (where enabled)
If advertising is displayed on the catalogue, we may use Google advertising technologies (including Google AdSense or similar) to serve ads. These technologies may place cookies on your device to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on this site and elsewhere. Such cookies are third-party cookies and are set only with your explicit consent. You can opt out of personalised advertising through your Google account settings or by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the Public Domain Literature Library directly. They are used to remember your settings and session information. Third-party cookies are set by services we use, such as Google Analytics or Google advertising platforms. These third parties may use their own cookies to provide their services, and we do not control how they use them. We encourage you to review their privacy policies for more information.
Session and Persistent Storage
Session storage expires when you close your browser. It is used for temporary data, such as items in your current reading list. Persistent storage remains on your device for a period determined by the technology provider, unless you delete it manually. We do not specify fixed durations for persistent cookies, as these may vary depending on the service used. You can clear persistent storage at any time through your browser settings.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use HTML5 local storage to remember your preferences and session data. Local storage is not automatically cleared when you close your browser; you can manage it through your browser settings. This technology allows us to store larger amounts of data than cookies, such as your reading progress or saved searches.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, you will see a cookie consent notice that allows you to accept or decline non-essential categories. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link available in the footer of every page. Withdrawing consent for optional storage will not affect the functionality of essential storage. Your consent choices are stored in a preference cookie so that we remember your decision on subsequent visits.
How to Control and Delete Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies, or set preferences for specific sites. Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent certain features of the catalogue from working correctly. For detailed instructions, consult your browser’s help section. You can also use browser plugins or privacy tools to control cookie storage across multiple sites.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Any updates will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review it periodically. Continued use of the catalogue after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.