What This Policy Covers
This privacy policy explains how the Public Domain Literature Library (accessible at anrug.com) handles information when you visit the catalogue. It covers routine server logs, cookies, analytics and advertising services where enabled, and any messages you choose to send. The catalogue is maintained by an catalogue project and is not part of a larger company or organisation.
Information Collected Automatically
When you access the catalogue, the server automatically records standard log data. This may include your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring page, and the date and time of each request. This information is used to diagnose technical issues, maintain security, and understand general usage patterns. It is not linked to any personal identity beyond the IP address, and it is retained only as long as reasonably necessary for these purposes.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
If you contact the catalogue project via the email address published on the site (editor@anrug.com), any personal information you include in your message—such as your name, email address, or other details—will be used solely to respond to your inquiry. Such messages are kept for as long as needed to address the matter and are not used for any other purpose. The catalogue does not require you to create an account or provide any personal information to browse or read the ebooks.
Site Preferences
The catalogue may store small pieces of information on your device to remember your preferences, such as display settings or the last page you visited. These are strictly functional and do not track your activity across other websites.
Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored by your browser. The catalogue uses cookies only where necessary for basic functionality or where you have explicitly enabled optional features. Cookies that are strictly necessary for the operation of the site do not require your consent. Any non-essential cookies—such as those used for analytics or advertising—are only set if you have given your consent through the site’s cookie consent controls. You can manage or disable cookies at any time through your browser settings, though this may affect some features.
Analytics
Where analytics are enabled, the catalogue uses a privacy-respecting analytics service that collects anonymised aggregate data, such as page views, referral sources, and browser types. This service does not track you across different websites and does not share data with third parties for advertising purposes. The analytics provider is contractually prohibited from using the data for any purpose other than providing the service to the catalogue.
Advertising
Where advertising is displayed, the catalogue may use Google AdSense or similar advertising services. These services may use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. The information collected by these advertising networks is governed by their own privacy policies. You can control personalised ads through Google’s Ads Settings or by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page. If you do not consent to advertising cookies, no such cookies will be set on your device.
Third-Party Services
The catalogue may include links to external websites, such as the original sources of the ebooks or related reference works. This privacy policy does not apply to those external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy practices before providing any personal information.
If the catalogue embeds content from third-party services (for example, a video from a hosting platform), that service may set its own cookies or collect data according to its own policies. Such embedded content is only loaded if you explicitly interact with it.
Web Beacons
Web beacons (also known as pixel tags) may be used in conjunction with advertising services to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. These are small, transparent graphic images that allow the ad network to recognise a cookie on your device. The information collected through web beacons is anonymous and used only for aggregate reporting.
How We Use Your Information
All information collected is used for the following purposes:
- To operate and maintain the catalogue, including troubleshooting and security.
- To understand how visitors use the site and improve its content and structure.
- To communicate with you if you have contacted us.
- To serve relevant advertising, where enabled, and to measure its performance.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties except as described in this policy (e.g., with service providers who are bound by confidentiality agreements).
Service Providers
The catalogue relies on a limited number of service providers for hosting, analytics, and advertising. These providers have access only to the information necessary to perform their functions and are contractually required to protect your data and not use it for any other purpose.
Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the information we hold 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.
Data Retention
We retain information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Log data is typically retained for a limited period and then deleted or anonymised. Messages from readers are retained until the matter is resolved and then deleted.
Your Choices and Rights
You have the following choices regarding your information:
- Cookie Consent: You can accept or reject non-essential cookies through the cookie consent controls on the site. You can also change your browser settings to block or delete cookies.
- Opt-Out of Personalised Ads: You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings or the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
- Access and Correction: If you have contacted us and wish to access or correct any personal information you provided, please email editor@anrug.com. We will respond within a reasonable time.
- Erasure: You may request that we delete any personal information we hold about you, subject to any legal obligations to retain it.
- Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with your local data protection authority.
These rights are available to all users, regardless of location, and we will respond to all legitimate requests without undue delay.
Children’s Privacy
The catalogue is not directed at children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so that we can delete it.
International Access
The catalogue is hosted and operated from New Zealand. If you access it from outside New Zealand, your information may be transferred to and processed in New Zealand. By using the catalogue, you consent to this transfer. We will take appropriate steps to ensure that your information is treated securely and in accordance with this policy.
Changes to This Policy
This privacy policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page, and your continued use of the catalogue after the changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact the catalogue project at editor@anrug.com.