Learning Systems Leader
Hillary Washburn, Ed.D., works at the intersection of learning strategy, technology, research, and program design. She leads the development of statewide learning systems and programs serving staff across more than 1,500 libraries and conducts applied research focused on learning, decision making, and organizational practice.
Her work includes learning platforms, credentialing, accessibility, evaluation, emerging technologies, and the systems that support learning at scale.
Independent consulting is provided through Scenluma.
Selected Areas of Work
Learning Systems and Technology
Statewide learning platforms, LMS governance, technology selection, accessibility, and sustainable learning infrastructure.
Learning Strategy and Program Design
Learning pathways, adult learning, instructional design, competency development, and large-scale continuing education programs.
Credentials, Quality, and Standards
Continuing education standards, CEUs, digital credentials, quality review, and accreditation.
Research and Evaluation
Applied research, needs assessment, survey design, mixed methods, learning analytics, and program evaluation.
Emerging Technology and AI
Practical adoption of AI and other technologies in learning, research, and organizational workflows.
Experience
- Lead statewide learning strategy for the Massachusetts Library System
- Built and govern the statewide learning platform, including accessibility standards, vendor management, and quality review
- Led the accreditation effort that made MLS the first state library system in the country to earn IACET accreditation
- Doctorate in education, with applied research training in quantitative and qualitative methods
- Conduct applied research spanning survey design, mixed-methods studies, and multi-site research operations, with co-authored published research abstracts and IRB review completed independently and on teams
- Serve on national task forces focused on open digital credentials and artificial intelligence in continuing education
- Hold four Anthropic certifications, including AI Fluency for Educators and Teaching the AI Fluency Framework, building on a career of helping educators and administrators at all skill levels adopt new technologies
- Secured and administered more than ten grants, large and small, independently and on teams
Independent Consulting
I provide independent consulting through Scenluma, working with organizations on learning strategy, systems, program design, research, evaluation, and related challenges.