Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how MOBS — My Online Bookshelf (“MOBS”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), operated by Megan Sloderbeck (MOBS — My Online Bookshelf), collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our website and app at myonlinebookshelf.com (the “Service”).
1. Information We Collect
Account information
If you create an account, we collect your email address and a password. Your password is never stored in plain text — it is protected using a one‑way cryptographic hash. You can use most of the Service as a guest without an account.
Your library data
The Service lets you catalog books. This includes information you add such as titles, authors, ISBNs, cover images, reading status, ratings/notes, custom shelves, and decorations. If you are a guest, this data is stored only in your browser (local storage) on your device. If you create an account, this data is also synced to and stored on our servers so you can access it across devices.
Images you upload
If you photograph or upload a book cover, that image is stored as part of your library data (on your device and, with an account, on our servers).
Technical information
Like most websites, our servers may automatically log basic technical data such as IP address, browser type, and request times for security, troubleshooting, and reliability. We do not use third‑party advertising or cross‑site tracking cookies.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide, operate, and sync the Service;
- To authenticate you and keep your account secure;
- To send you essential account emails (for example, password resets);
- To diagnose problems, prevent abuse, and improve the Service.
3. Third‑Party Services
To provide the Service we rely on a few third parties, who process data only as needed to perform their function:
- Book data & cover images — when you scan or search for a book, we query external catalogs (such as Google Books and Open Library) to retrieve details and cover art.
- Hosting — our app and data are hosted on our cloud infrastructure provider.
- Email delivery — account emails (such as password resets) are sent through an email delivery provider.
These providers handle information under their own privacy policies.
4. Cookies & Local Storage
We use your browser’s local storage to keep your library and preferences on your device, and to store a session token that keeps you signed in. We do not use advertising cookies.
5. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only: (a) with the service providers listed above; (b) if required by law or valid legal process; or (c) to protect the rights, safety, and security of MOBS and its users.
6. Data Retention & Deletion
We keep account and library data for as long as your account is active. You may delete your data at any time by clearing it in the app, and you may request deletion of your account and associated server‑stored data by contacting us at mobsmyonlinebookshelf@gmail.com. Guest data lives only on your device and can be removed by clearing your browser storage.
7. Security
We use industry‑standard measures such as hashed passwords and encrypted connections (HTTPS). However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. We encourage you to keep a backup of important library data using the app’s export feature.
8. Children’s Privacy
The Service is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
9. Your Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, export, or delete your personal information. You can exercise these rights in‑app or by contacting us at mobsmyonlinebookshelf@gmail.com.
10. International Users
The Service is operated from the United States. By using the Service, you understand your information may be processed there.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. Continued use of the Service after changes means you accept the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
Questions about this policy? Email us at mobsmyonlinebookshelf@gmail.com.