How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies

When you visit the Historical Engineering Library, we and our service providers may place small data files — commonly called cookies — on your device. These files help the catalogue function, remember your choices, and help us understand how readers interact with the site. 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 cookies are strictly necessary for the catalogue to operate. They enable core features such as secure access, session management, and the ability to move between pages without re‑entering information. These cookies are set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or adjusting your privacy settings. Because they are essential, they do not require your separate consent and cannot be disabled through our cookie‑control tool. However, you may block them through your browser settings, which would affect the site’s performance and may prevent certain features from working.

Preference and Customisation Storage

We use cookies to remember choices you make — for example, your preferred language, text size, or display settings — so that we can provide a more personalised experience. These cookies are set only with your consent, which you may grant or withdraw at any time. If you withdraw consent, the site will continue to work, but your customised preferences will no longer be remembered.

Analytics and Performance

Where enabled, we use analytics services (including first‑party analytics) to collect aggregated, anonymised information about how visitors use the catalogue. This includes data on which pages are most frequently viewed, how long readers stay, and what search terms are used. The information helps us improve the site’s content and navigation. These analytics cookies are placed only if you have given your consent. We do not allow any analytics provider to combine this data with other information they may have about you.

Advertising and Marketing Technologies

If advertisements are displayed on the Historical Engineering Library, we may use cookies and similar technologies provided by Google Advertising Services and other third‑party ad platforms. These technologies help us show relevant ads, measure the performance of ad campaigns, and limit the number of times you see a particular advertisement. They may also be used by third‑party advertisers to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other websites. We use these technologies only where you have given your consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time; after withdrawal, no new advertising cookies will be placed, and existing ones will be deleted where technically possible.

First‑Party and Third‑Party Cookies

Some cookies are set directly by the Historical Engineering Library (first‑party cookies). Others are set by domains that are not controlled by us (third‑party cookies). For example, analytics and advertising services may set third‑party cookies. We do not control the data practices of these third parties, and we encourage you to review their own privacy and cookie policies. Where we use third‑party services, we ensure that they adhere to contractual obligations to protect your data.

Session and Persistent Cookies

Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They enable basic navigation and are not stored on your device beyond your visit. Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser; they are used to remember your preferences and settings for future visits. The retention period for persistent cookies varies by purpose but generally does not exceed 12 months unless you revisit the site and renew the cookie.

Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (such as HTML5 localStorage) to store data on your device. This is used for similar purposes as cookies — for example, to remember your reading progress or preferences. Local storage is not automatically cleared when you close your browser, but you can manage it through your browser settings. Our use of local storage is subject to the same consent choices as the equivalent cookie types.

Your Consent Choices

When you first visit the Historical Engineering Library, a cookie consent notice will appear. You may choose to accept all optional cookies, reject all non‑essential cookies, or customise your preferences by category. Your choice will be stored in a persistent cookie so that we remember it on subsequent visits. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link available in the footer of every page.

Withdrawing Consent

If you have previously given consent for optional cookies, you may withdraw it at any time. Withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. After withdrawal, any optional cookies that have already been placed will be deleted or rendered non‑functional where technically feasible. Essential cookies will continue to operate.

Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically block or delete cookies, and you can set your browser to notify you when a cookie is placed. Please note that disabling all cookies — including essential ones — may impair the functionality of the catalogue and prevent you from using certain features. Instructions for managing cookies can usually be found in your browser’s help section.

Practical Effects of Disabling Storage

If you choose to disable all non‑essential cookies and local storage, the Historical Engineering Library will still operate, but some features may be limited. For example, you may need to re‑enter your preferences each time you visit, and any personalised recommendations or reading lists will not be available. Analytics data will not be collected, which means we will have less information to improve the site. Advertising may still appear, but it will be less relevant to you because interest‑based profiles will not be built.

This Cookie Policy is part of our broader commitment to transparency about how we handle your data. If you have any questions, please contact our catalogue editor, Louisa Alcott, at editor@ihuas.com.