The Glasgow Collection was one of the very first 'special collections' to be formed when The Mitchell Library opened in 1877, the idea being to preserve all material relating to the history, life and people of the city of Glasgow. This unique collection holds a variety of material - for example, books, maps, plans, directories, newspapers, photographs, pamphlets, Valuation and Voters' Rolls, photographs and engravings - and is of immense importance both to researchers and the local community.