New Leader Keeps Cleveland Public Library on the Cutting Edge of Innovation

Cleveland Public Library names a new executive to lead technology and innovation

Cleveland Public Library is pleased to announce the hire of John L. Malcolm IV as the new Chief Innovation and Technology Officer. Malcolm started his new position on Monday, December 13, 2021.  

“It is a privilege and honor to join such a storied institution,” said Malcolm, incoming Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Cleveland Public Library. “I look forward to evolving the Library’s information and digital systems and designing a vision to meet the IT needs of today and in the future.”  

Malcolm joins Cleveland Public Library from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he worked as the Chief Technology Officer since 2018. He is credited with upgrading nearly every software system, key hardware, and access portal at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Other achievements include establishing a 100% cloud-based data solution and helping faculty and students pivot to virtual learning during the pandemic. Prior to the Cleveland Institute Music, Malcolm served as the Director of Information Technology for the Positive Education Program where he modernized enterprise systems. He also has experience developing technology roadmaps for government agencies throughout the country. 

In Malcolm’s newly created role at Cleveland Public Library, he will be responsible for establishing a roadmap for driving innovation and managing the current and future IT needs of the Library. Malcolm will also work with community partners to address digital equity surrounding Library neighborhoods. “John Malcolm is an experienced leader who is at the forefront of technological advances. He will be a huge asset to Cleveland Public Library as we work to bridge the digital divide in the city,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “Malcolm is a solutions-oriented person who understands the critical need for digital resources and how lack of access to opportunity through the internet can impact a community.”  

The Cleveland native earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and information systems from Youngstown State University and a professional certification in digital transformation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

“As a child, I spent countless hours in the Harvard Lee Branch. Cleveland Public Library is home for me. I am thrilled to work with the Library staff and generate digital possibilities for our community.”