Dr. P. Y. Rajendra Kumar has an M.A in Literature, besides having obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Mysore. He started his professional career at National College, Bangalore. Having been selected as Chief Librarian by the Karnataka Public Service Commission, he joined the Department of Public Libraries and served for 33 years in different capacities, finally being appointed as the Director in 2004 till his retirement in 2008. Following his retirment, he worked as Consultant to IGNCA, Project Director at Asian Fab Tech Ltd. and Advisor to Indian Illustrated Classics.

In 2013 he assumed the office of Director General, National library of India, Kolkata, a post he relinquished in May 2015.

He is the recipient of many awards including the Dr. Ranganathan-Dr.Kaula Best Librarian award (2007), the Karnataka State Government Award for the Meritorious Services (2007) and the ILA-KAULA Best Librarian Award (2014). The Open International University, Colombo, Sri Lanka has honored him with an honorary doctorate.

As President of the Karnataka State Library Association (KALA), he organized a National Conference at Sravanabelagola and instituted KALA National Awards for the Best Librarians in the Country. He is presently a member of several bodies including INFLIBNET, Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla, Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata and the Asiatic Society of India, Kolkata. He has also travelled widely.