How This Catalogue Uses Storage

Modern History Library relies on small data files stored in your browser — commonly called cookies or local storage — to keep the catalogue working, remember your preferences, and, where enabled, help us understand how readers interact with the site. This policy describes the types of storage we use, their purpose, and how you can control them.

Essential Storage

Certain storage is strictly necessary for the catalogue to function. This includes files that remember your session while you browse, maintain your search selections, and keep the reading interface stable. Without these, basic features such as navigating between book editions or saving your place in a reading companion would not work. Essential storage is set by us (first-party) and does not require your prior consent, though you can block it through browser settings — with the effect described at the end of this policy.

Preference Storage

We may store your choices about how the catalogue appears — for example, your preferred text size, display mode, or whether you have dismissed certain informational banners. These preferences are stored locally and are not shared with any third party. You can clear them at any time via your browser’s storage tools.

Analytics Storage Where Enabled

Where analytics are active, we use first-party cookies and local storage to collect anonymous, aggregated information about how visitors use the site. This includes counting page views, tracking which editions and reading companions are most frequently accessed, and noting general navigation patterns. The data is used solely to improve the catalogue’s organisation and usability. No personal identifiers are stored, and we do not combine this data with any other source.

Advertising Storage Where Ads Are Displayed

Some pages of the catalogue may display advertisements provided by Google. In that case, Google may set its own cookies (third-party) and use local storage to serve ads relevant to your interests, limit the number of times you see an ad, and measure ad effectiveness. These technologies are governed by Google’s privacy and cookie policies. We do not control Google’s storage choices, and we enable advertising only on pages where it helps support the free availability of the catalogue. Where ads are not shown, no advertising storage is used.

Session and Persistent Storage

Storage files may be either session-based (erased when you close your browser) or persistent (remaining for a period set by the file itself). We do not specify fixed durations because these are determined by the technology used; persistent files typically expire after a period of months or years unless you delete them earlier. You can inspect and remove both types through your browser’s developer tools or privacy settings.

Your Consent Choices

For any storage that is not strictly essential — such as analytics and advertising cookies — we seek your consent before placing them. A banner or control panel appears on your first visit, allowing you to accept or decline each category. You may change your mind at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link available in the site footer. Withdrawing consent will not affect the core functionality of the catalogue.

Browser Controls and Practical Effects of Disabling Storage

You can also manage storage directly through your browser. Most browsers let you view, block, or delete all cookies and local storage on a per-site basis. If you disable essential storage, the catalogue may not load correctly, search results may fail, and reading companions may lose your place. Disabling analytics storage will not affect your reading experience but will prevent us from understanding how the catalogue is used. Disabling advertising storage will stop personalised ads but may result in more generic advertisements.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the technologies we use or in legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page.

If you have questions about how storage is used on Modern History Library, please contact the Collection Editor at editor@imdei.com.