How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
Modern History Library (accessible at oovba.com) uses cookies and similar storage technologies to provide, secure, and improve the catalogue experience. This policy explains what these technologies do, which ones we use, and how you can manage them.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. They help the site remember your actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and tracking pixels. Where this policy refers to "cookies," it includes these related technologies unless stated otherwise.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as secure browsing, session management, and remembering items you have added to your reading list while you navigate. Without these cookies, services you have requested cannot be provided. Essential cookies are typically first-party and may be session or persistent. They do not require your prior consent.
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies allow the catalogue to remember choices you make — such as your preferred text size, display settings, or language — to give you a more personalised experience. These are first-party cookies and may be persistent. Where we use them, they are set only with your consent.
Analytics Cookies
Where enabled, we use analytics cookies (including those from services such as Google Analytics) to collect aggregated information about how visitors use the catalogue. This helps us understand which pages are most popular, how users navigate, and whether any features are not working as expected. The data collected is anonymous and does not identify you personally. Analytics cookies are set only with your consent.
Advertising Cookies
If the catalogue displays advertisements, we may use advertising cookies (including those from Google AdSense or other Google advertising technologies) to make ads more relevant to you. These cookies track your browsing across websites and build a profile of your interests. They are third-party, persistent cookies, and are set only with your consent. We do not control the data collected by these third parties; please refer to their privacy policies for details.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the Modern History Library website. Third-party cookies are set by domains other than oovba.com — for example, analytics or advertising services we may use. We do not control the storage or use of data by these third parties.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. The specific duration varies by cookie and is determined by the service that sets it; we do not invent fixed durations here.
Local Storage
Where we use local storage, it functions similarly to persistent cookies but stores data directly in your browser's storage area. This may be used to remember your preferences or reading progress. Local storage is subject to the same consent choices as cookies.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, you will be presented with a cookie consent notice. You may choose to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences. Your choice will be remembered via a consent cookie. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of the site.
Withdrawing Consent
If you have previously given consent for non-essential cookies, you may withdraw it by updating your cookie preferences. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually block or delete cookies entirely, or configure your browser to prompt you before accepting a cookie. Please note that if you disable essential cookies, some parts of the catalogue may not function correctly. For detailed instructions, consult your browser's help documentation.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you may still browse the catalogue, but certain features — such as maintaining a reading list, remembering your display preferences, or logging into any account features we may offer — will not work. Analytics and advertising will not be served if you have not consented to those categories.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a notice on the site. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.