How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This page explains how Historical Fiction Collection (the catalogue accessible at asamb.com) uses cookies, local storage and similar technologies. The policy applies to all visitors, whether you are browsing the catalogue, reading edition notes or using any other part of the site.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. They help the site remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language or display settings. Local storage works similarly but can hold larger amounts of data and does not automatically send information back to the server.
Categories of Storage We Use
Essential Storage
Certain cookies and local storage items are strictly necessary for the catalogue to function. These may include, for example, a session cookie that keeps you logged in if you choose to register for personalised features, or a cookie that stores your cookie consent choice. Without these, parts of the site may not operate correctly. Essential storage does not require your prior consent.
Preference Storage
We may store your preferences, such as the text size you select or the way edition notes are displayed. These are first-party storage items that make your visit more comfortable. Where we use them, they are persistent but can be cleared through your browser settings.
Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)
We may use analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue. These services place cookies that collect aggregated information about pages visited, time spent on the site and the paths readers take through the catalogue. The data is anonymised where possible and helps us improve the organisation and discoverability of our collection. Analytics storage is used only if you have given your consent via the cookie banner or settings panel.
Advertising Storage (Where Adverts Are Displayed)
Some pages of the catalogue may display advertisements provided by Google or other advertising networks. Where adverts are shown, Google may use cookies and similar technologies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site or other websites. These technologies may include the Google Advertising Products cookie, the DoubleClick cookie and other identifiers. Advertising storage is used only with your consent, and you may withdraw that consent at any time.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the catalogue domain (asamb.com) and are used for essential functions and preferences. Third-party cookies are set by services we rely on, such as analytics providers and advertising networks. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, which we encourage you to review.
Session and Persistent Storage
Session storage expires when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a longer period, which may vary depending on the technology and your browser settings. We do not specify fixed durations because these are determined by the storage mechanism and your own browser configuration.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage in your browser to remember interface preferences or to cache certain data for performance reasons. Local storage is not automatically transmitted to us and can be cleared through your browser’s developer tools or settings.
Your Choices and Consent
When you first visit the catalogue, a cookie banner informs you about the categories of storage we use. For any category that is not strictly essential, we ask for your consent before placing those cookies or using local storage. You may accept all categories, decline non-essential categories, or customise your preferences. Your choice is recorded in a consent cookie.
Withdrawing Consent
You may withdraw your consent for non-essential storage at any time by clearing your cookies and local storage through your browser settings, or by using the consent management panel available on our site (if provided). Withdrawing consent 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, and you can set your browser to alert you when a cookie is being placed. Please note that disabling essential cookies or local storage may prevent some features of the catalogue from working as intended, such as remembering your reading preferences or keeping you logged in.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you may still browse the catalogue and read public-domain texts. However, you may need to re-enter preferences on each visit, and some dynamic features may not function. Analytics and advertising will not operate, which means you will see fewer personalised adverts and we will have less information to improve the site.
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, and where appropriate, we will notify you through the cookie banner or a site notice.
Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or local storage, you may contact our fiction editor at editor@asamb.com.