Cookie Policy for Hudson’s Bay Fur Trade Records Archive (HBCRecordsArchive.com)
Last Updated: [Date]
This Cookie Policy explains how Hudson’s Bay Fur Trade Records Archive ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website, HBCRecordsArchive.com (the "Site"). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further details on how we process personal data.
By using our Site, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time as described below.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide reporting information, and to help personalize your browsing experience by remembering your preferences, settings, and actions.
Similar technologies, such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage (e.g., HTML5), are also used for similar purposes. For simplicity, we refer to all these technologies collectively as "cookies" in this policy.
2. Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following primary purposes:
- Essential Operation: To enable core functionality of the Site, such as security, network management, and account access.
- Performance & Analytics: To collect information about how visitors use our Site (e.g., pages visited, error messages) to improve its performance and user experience.
- Functionality & Preferences: To remember choices you make (like language preferences, display settings, or login state) to provide a more personalized experience.
- Research & Archival Enhancement: As a historical archive, we may use anonymized data to understand how our collections are being accessed and researched, helping us prioritize digitization and improve archival descriptions.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
The table below details the categories of cookies we use on HBCRecordsArchive.com.
| Category | Purpose | Examples / Providers | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary Cookies | These are essential for the Site to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging into a secure area or setting your privacy preferences. You can set your browser to block these, but parts of the Site may not work. | Session cookies for user authentication; load-balancing cookies; security tokens. | Session or up to 24 hours. |
| Performance / Analytics Cookies | These allow us to count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve Site performance. They help us know which pages are popular and how users move through the Site. All information is aggregated and anonymized. | Google Analytics (anonymized IP); self-hosted analytics tools. | Persistent (up to 2 years). |
| Functionality Cookies | These enable the Site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferred viewing mode (e.g., light/dark theme) or your region for displaying relevant archival holdings. | Cookies storing UI/UX preferences; language selection; text size. | Persistent (up to 1 year). |
Note: We do not currently use cookies for targeted advertising purposes on HBCRecordsArchive.com.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control the dissemination of these third-party cookies. For example, we may use:
- Google Analytics: To understand Site usage. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymize IP addresses. You can learn more about Google's practices and opt-out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): To serve static files efficiently from servers close to your location.
- Embedded Historical Maps/Content: If we embed historical maps from reputable archival sources (e.g., Library and Archives Canada), those providers may set their own cookies. We strive to use privacy-respecting embeds where possible.
We recommend you review the respective privacy and cookie policies of these third-party providers for more information.
5. Your Cookie Choices & Controls
You have the right to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can exercise this right through the following methods:
- Cookie Consent Banner: Upon your first visit, you will be presented with a banner allowing you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences.
- Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually set your browser to refuse all cookies, to indicate when a cookie is being sent, or to delete existing cookies. Please note that blocking all cookies may significantly affect your ability to use our Site and many others. Guidance for popular browsers can be found here:
- Analytics Opt-Out: As mentioned, you can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking using their browser add-on.
Your preferences are stored in a cookie. If you delete this preference cookie, or use a different device/browser, you will need to reset your choices.
6. Data Protection and Your Rights (GDPR/CCPA)
Under data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have specific rights regarding your personal data collected via cookies.
- Lawful Basis: For essential cookies, our lawful basis is the legitimate interest of operating a secure and functional website. For performance and functionality cookies, we rely on your consent, which you can withdraw at any time.
- Your Rights: You may have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to the processing of personal data derived from cookies. You also have the right to data portability and to withdraw consent.
- Data Transfers: As an international archive, our servers may be located outside your country of residence. We ensure any transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).
- Data Retention: Personal data collected via cookies is not kept longer than necessary for the purposes outlined. Aggregated, anonymized analytics data may be retained for longer-term archival and research purposes.
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details in Section 9.
7. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our services. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy occasionally to stay informed.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
By Email: privacy@hbcrecordsarchive.com
By Post: Data Protection Officer, Hudson’s Bay Fur Trade Records Archive, [Insert Physical Address, e.g., "130 Rupert's Land Way, Winnipeg, MB, Canada"].
9. Additional Information for Researchers
As a dedicated historical archive, we are committed to balancing modern web functionality with the integrity and accessibility of historical records. The minimal, anonymized data we collect through cookies helps us understand which fur trade records, posts, or personnel files are most frequently accessed, informing our future digitization projects and resource allocation. We treat all data with the same care and respect as we do the historical documents in our custody.