The collection holds mainly the Jesuit library that belonged to the "San Gregory the Great University" and some books written by Jesuits before the expulsion from the Spanish Kingdom by Charles III in 1767.

Several dozens of the oldest books printed in Ecuador enrich the collection. The Jesuits brought to Ecuador the first printer that continued working years after their expulsion. Adam Schwartz, German Jesuit should be considered as the pioneer of the printing in Ecuador.