Alan,

Mary sounds just like my old boss at the other library I worked for -- this lady was not necessarily "hip" with the latest fashion trends, but very much a perfectionist workaholic who was loved by higher ups (save the library director) for her attentiveness to detail and the fact that she documented everything. She was also a very judgemental and self-righteous person, and we butted heads not too long after I started working there. After about six months, I finally had enough, and when my current job came open, I applied for it and got it (obviously) and left. However, before I left, I showed the director all of my own documentation in the exit interview and presented my side of the story.

I can't stress this enough: document, document and document -- just what I tell my students on a paper.

I do agree that you should not haul down your colours if you have been in constant communication with your supervisor and have been keeping him in the loop -- someone else suggested that you ask him what to do next -- good advice. That way, your boss sees that you are not going off half-cocked, but attempting to work within channels to rectify the situation.

Good luck -- you're in a bit of a "sticky wicket", but it sounds like you've a level head.

Regards,

Todd