Information we receive automatically

When you visit the Historical Engineering Library, our servers record routine log information: your IP address, the type and version of browser and operating system you use, the pages you view, the date and time of each request, and the website that referred you to us. This data is used to diagnose technical problems, maintain security, and understand general usage patterns so that we can improve the catalogue.

Information you choose to send us

If you contact us by email or through a contact form, we receive the content of your message and the email address or other contact details you provide. We use this information only to respond to your enquiry and for no other purpose. We do not add your address to any marketing list.

Site preferences and voluntary features

We may offer optional features such as reading lists, bookmarks, or display preferences. Any data you save in connection with these features is stored locally in your browser or transmitted to us only as necessary to provide the feature. You can clear or disable these at any time through your browser settings.

Cookies and similar technologies

Like many websites, we use cookies and similar technologies. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We use session cookies to keep you logged in (if such a feature exists) and persistent cookies to remember your preferences. Where enabled, we may also use analytics services (such as a self-hosted or third-party analytics tool) that set cookies to measure how the catalogue is used.

If advertising is displayed on the site, third-party ad networks may place cookies and web beacons to tailor advertisements to your interests and to measure their effectiveness. These cookies are governed by the privacy policies of the respective ad networks, not by ours.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, and to opt out of interest-based advertising. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of the site.

Analytics and advertising where enabled

We may use analytics services to collect aggregated information about how visitors use the catalogue. These services may use cookies and web beacons to track page visits, time spent, and navigation paths. The data is used to improve the site and is not linked to any personal identifier.

Where Google advertising services are displayed, Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your previous visits to this site or other websites. You can learn about Google’s practices and opt out of the use of cookies for personalised advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings.

Third-party cookies and web beacons

Some pages may include embedded content from external services (e.g., videos, images, or social media buttons). Those services may set their own cookies and web beacons. We have no control over these technologies and recommend that you review the privacy policies of those services.

Purposes of processing

We process the data described above for the following purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and improve the Historical Engineering Library.
• To monitor and analyse usage trends and technical performance.
• To protect the security and integrity of the site and its users.
• To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support.
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of use.

Service-provider access

We may engage limited third-party service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, email delivery) who have access to personal data only to perform specific tasks on our behalf. They are contractually obliged to keep your information confidential and secure, and they may not use it for any other purpose.

Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure, or access. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Server logs are retained for a limited period and then deleted or anonymised. Enquiry emails are kept only until the matter is resolved unless you give permission to retain them longer.

Your choices and rights

You have the right to:

• Know what personal data we hold about you.
• Request a copy of your data.
• Ask us to correct or delete your data.
• Object to or restrict certain processing.
• Withdraw any consent you have given.
• Lodge a complaint with a relevant data protection authority.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at editor@ihuas.com. We will respond within a reasonable time.

Children’s privacy

The Historical Engineering Library is a general-interest catalogue and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

External links

The catalogue contains links to other websites, including the original source texts. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

International access

This site is hosted in and operated from Australia. If you access it from outside Australia, your data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia or in other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer. We take steps to ensure that your data receives an adequate level of protection wherever it is processed.

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 it periodically.

Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact the Catalogue Editor, The Editorial Team Ihuas, at editor@ihuas.com.