The first librarian of the National Library of India, after independence, was Bellary Shamanna Kesavan. He assumed the role on March 31, 1948, and is recognized as the inaugural Librarian of the National Library of Independent India. Kesavan is also known as the "Father of the Indian National Bibliography" for his significant contributions to the field. He served until 1963 and was honored with the Padma Shri award in 1960 for his services
. Before independence, the library was known as the Imperial Library. The first librarian of the Imperial Library was John Macfarlane from the British Museum. He was succeeded by Harinath De, who was the first Indian librarian of the Imperial Library from 1907 to 1911
. In summary:
- First librarian of the Imperial Library (pre-independence): John Macfarlane (British)
- First Indian librarian of the Imperial Library: Harinath De (1907-1911)
- First librarian of the National Library of Independent India (post-independence): B.S. Kesavan (from 1948)
