Information We Collect
When you visit the Historical Social Sciences Library, our servers automatically record routine log data. This includes your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, the referring web page, pages you view, and the time and date of each request. We also collect device information such as screen resolution and language settings where your browser or device makes this available.
If you choose to contact us through the email address listed on the site, we receive and store the content of your message, your email address, and any other information you voluntarily provide.
We may store certain preferences you select while browsing, such as text size or display options, using local storage or similar technologies.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and understand how the catalogue is used. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We use:
- Essential cookies – necessary for the site to function, such as remembering your session.
- Preference cookies – remember choices you make (e.g., text size).
- Analytics cookies – where enabled, help us understand which pages are most popular and how visitors navigate the site.
- Advertising cookies – if advertising is displayed, these may be used to deliver relevant ads and measure their performance.
Some of these cookies may be set by third-party services. For example, if we use Google advertising services, Google may place cookies on your device to serve ads based on your visits to this and other sites. These third-party cookies are governed by the privacy policies of those providers.
We may also use web beacons (transparent pixel images) in emails or on pages to confirm delivery or reading, and to gather aggregate statistics.
How We Use Your Information
We process the information described above for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue.
- To analyse usage patterns and trends.
- To respond to your inquiries and correspondence.
- To display advertising that is relevant to you, where advertising is enabled.
- To detect and prevent abuse or technical issues.
Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal data. We may share aggregated, non-personally identifying information publicly or with service providers. We engage limited service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, advertising) who may access your data solely to perform services on our behalf. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.
We may disclose information if required by law, to enforce our policies, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of others.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for a period sufficient to analyse trends and maintain security. Personal information you voluntarily provide (such as email correspondence) is retained as long as needed to address your inquiry or as otherwise required by law. We do not specify fixed retention periods because needs vary.
Your Choices and Rights
You have choices regarding the data we collect:
- Cookies: Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. You can block or delete cookies, but this may affect site functionality. Where we use a cookie consent tool, you may adjust your preferences at any time.
- Analytics: You may opt out of analytics cookies through your browser settings or via the consent controls provided.
- Advertising: If Google advertising services are displayed, you can manage your ad preferences through Google’s Ad Settings or opt out of personalized advertising via the Digital Advertising Alliance.
- Access, correction, deletion: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to personal data we hold about you, to correct inaccuracies, or to delete your data. You may also object to or restrict processing. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the email provided on the site.
We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law. Note that we may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
Children’s Privacy
Our catalogue is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it. Parents or guardians who believe their child has submitted personal data should contact us.
International Access
The Historical Social Sciences Library is operated from Australia. If you access the site from outside Australia, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer. We take steps to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this policy.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new policy on this page. Your continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at editor@itiic.com.