Special Collections

The University of Manchester Library is ranked in the top five university special collections in the world; in a number of fields it is world-leading.

Our mission is to manage, develop and enhance access to our astonishing special collections, in order to inspire and nurture world-class research, teaching and learning at The University of Manchester and in the wider world of scholarship.

We also promote the use and enjoyment of the collections by diverse audiences, in fulfilment of the vision of Enriqueta Rylands.

An overview of our Special Collections, including information about the background and history of our holdings.

Find out about our Special Collections reading rooms and our teaching and learning support.

Explore our gateway to the University of Manchester Library's digital collections.

Search our Special Collections rare books, maps, visual collections, works of art, photography and objects.

Whether you are staff or a student, you can find more information on teaching and learning with Special Collections at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester Library holds one of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in the world.

Explore the Special Collections through the collection names and descriptions using our searchable A-Z tool.