What This Policy Covers
This page describes how the Historical Botany Archive uses cookies, local storage and similar technologies when you visit the catalogue. It explains the types of storage we set, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
Essential Storage
Certain storage is strictly necessary for the catalogue to function. This includes a session cookie that remembers your navigation state during a visit, and a preference cookie that stores your choice about optional storage. These do not track you across other sites and are not used for advertising. Essential storage is set automatically and cannot be disabled through our consent controls, though you may block them through your browser settings.
Preference Storage
Where enabled, we may store a small piece of data to remember your language choice or display settings. This is a persistent cookie that remains on your device until it expires or you clear it. It is set only if you interact with a preference control.
Analytics Storage
If you have consented, we use a first-party analytics tool to collect anonymous usage data such as which pages are visited and how users navigate the site. This helps us understand which ebooks and reading guides are most engaging. Analytics storage is persistent but does not identify you personally. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Advertising Storage
Where advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, third-party advertising technologies — including Google advertising services — may set cookies or use local storage to build a profile of your interests and serve relevant ads. These technologies are operated by the advertising provider, not by us. We do not control what data they collect. If ads are not shown on a particular page, no advertising storage will be set. Your choices regarding advertising cookies can be managed through the consent banner or via your browser settings.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the catalogue domain (ecrut.com). Third-party cookies are set by other domains, such as analytics or advertising providers. We only allow third-party storage where you have given consent or where it is essential for the service.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a period determined by the cookie itself, which varies. We do not set fixed durations in this policy because the actual expiry is set by the technology and may change.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage in your browser to cache certain data for performance purposes. This storage is not automatically cleared when you close your browser. You can clear local storage through your browser's developer tools or settings.
Managing Your Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, a consent banner allows you to accept or decline optional storage categories. You may change your preferences later by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Browser Controls
Most browsers let you view, block or delete cookies and local storage. Please refer to your browser’s help section for instructions. Note that disabling essential storage may prevent parts of the catalogue from working correctly, such as displaying ebooks or saving your reading progress.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you will still be able to browse public-domain ebooks, but features that rely on remembering your preferences or session may not function. You may need to re-select language or display options on each visit. Analytics and advertising storage will not be set if you decline those categories.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this cookie policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any revisions will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies.
If you have questions about this policy, please contact the catalogue project@ecrut.com.