About This Policy
Public Domain Literature Library (ouvvo.com) uses cookies and similar storage technologies to support the operation of the catalogue, to remember your preferences, to collect anonymised usage information where enabled, and to display advertisements that are relevant to your interests where ads are shown. This policy explains what these technologies are, how we use them, and how you can control their use.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognise your device and remember certain information. Other technologies such as local storage and web beacons function in a similar way. We refer to all of these collectively as “cookies” in this policy.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as navigating between pages, saving your session, and remembering items in your reading list. Without these cookies, the site cannot operate properly. Essential cookies are set in response to actions you take, such as setting privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies allow the catalogue to remember choices you make, such as your preferred text size, display mode, or language. They provide a more personalised experience. If you disable these cookies, some features may not work as intended.
Analytics Cookies
Where analytics are enabled, we use first-party analytics cookies to collect anonymised information about how visitors interact with the catalogue. This includes data on pages visited, time spent on the site, and any errors encountered. This information helps us improve the catalogue and understand which texts and categories—such as Sea Voyages & Shipwrecks: Texts & Context or Young Readers & Adventures — Reader’s Shelf—are most engaging. Analytics cookies do not identify you personally.
Advertising Cookies
Where advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, we may use cookies from Google Advertising Technologies (including Google AdSense and Google Ads) to serve ads that are more relevant to you. These cookies track your visits across websites and build a profile of your interests. They are third-party cookies and are subject to Google’s privacy policies. We do not control the data collected by these cookies. Advertising cookies are only used where you have given consent.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the catalogue itself. Third-party cookies are set by other domains, such as Google when ads are displayed. We do not control third-party cookies, and they may be used for purposes including advertising, analytics, and fraud prevention. You can manage third-party cookies through your browser settings or through the consent tool provided on the site.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to maintain your session as you navigate the catalogue. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a longer period, or until you delete them manually. They are used to remember your preferences and settings across visits. The exact duration of persistent cookies varies; you can view the specific expiry times in your browser’s cookie inspector.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, the catalogue may use local storage to store data such as reading progress or interface preferences. Local storage is similar to persistent cookies but can store larger amounts of data. It remains on your device until you clear your browser’s storage.
Your Choices and Consent
When you first visit the catalogue, you will be presented with a consent notice that allows you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. Essential cookies are always set. You can change your consent preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of the site. If you withdraw consent for analytics or advertising cookies, those cookies will be disabled, but essential and preference cookies may remain active.
Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies, or set your browser to alert you when a cookie is set. Please note that disabling all cookies, including essential ones, may impair the functionality of the catalogue. For detailed instructions, consult your browser’s help documentation.
Practical Effects of Disabling Cookies
If you disable essential cookies, the catalogue may not load properly or may be unable to save your session. Disabling preference cookies means your chosen settings will not be remembered. Disabling analytics cookies will not affect the core functionality but will prevent us from gathering usage data. Disabling advertising cookies will not remove advertisements but may make them less relevant.
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 changes will be posted on this page. Continued use of the catalogue after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact the editor at the email address provided on the catalogue’s contact page.