A PEEP INTO THE CONSERVATION LAB
Authors: Katherine Kelly,
Tish Brewer,
Cara Johnston,
Alison Kilman, Annie Wilker
Faculty Sponsor: Giselle Metzger (more about)
Abstract:
Recent developments in Peep Studies have indicated that Peeps and their marshmallow cousins are capable of full integration into society. Indeed, in many cases, the Just Born(TM) community is at the forefront of research in our academic institutions (1). In a society where Peeps have expanded the frontiers of science in areas like risk analysis and toxicology studies (2) and in which some have given the last full measure of devotion to scientific research (3), the authors question the exclusionary paradigms which bar them from participation in the conservation of our cultural heritage. On April 1, 2006, student conservators from the Kilgarlin Center for Preservation of the Cultural Record investigated integrating Peeps into the conservation laboratory environment. The results of the study are detailed and suggestions are given for promoting a Peep-positive workplace.
Read details of the project here.
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Peeps are a diverse, dynamic bunch. Many people unacquainted with the Peep community have certain expectations about the appearance of a "normal" Peep. While the yellow, or Easter, type of Peep is the most prevalent group, there are, in fact, more than 4 major ethnic sub-species (4). |
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Peeps are not food, but co-workers. Ill-informed attempts to ban Peeps from conservation labs based on overly broad "No Food or Drink" policies are discriminatory, and are strongly discouraged. |
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| When modifying a conservation lab to accommodate peep conservators and/or technicians, it is important to understand the special gifts and challenges attendant on peep physiognomy and psychology. |
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Peeps are by nature migratory creatures. Their migrations are centered around a complex schedule of secular and religious holidays. In the past, this has barred Peeps from employment in non-seasonal jobs. Recent unionization efforts have, however, produced rotating-shift arrangements whereby an employer is guaranteed a stable number of trained Peep employees throughout the year. Individual Peeps are permitted time off for holiday observances, and their jobs are filled in by non-observant ethnic groups. |
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Peeps are social creatures and commonly travel in small family groups. When fully mature, Peeps become more comfortable being out of direct contact with their family, but remain very gregarious. | |
Some adjustments may be necessary in the lab to accommodate a "team" approach to conservation. |
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Peeps are quite small and are able to work on a scale that many conservators would find difficult.
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Peeps are highly adaptable, and can generally perform well with most hominid-sized equipment. |
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Careful coordination is necessary to prevent accidents. |
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Despite their fluffy resilience, Peeps are
not impervious
to physical damage. First Aid supplies are a must. |
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Peeps are composed of a proprietary mixture of sugar and marshmallow. This results in them being very physically malleable and facilitates certain tool handling tasks. In addition, Peeps are helpful by nature and do not mind assisting you in your work. |
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Regarding chemical stability, extensive studies have shown that Peeps are non-soluble in water, non-polar solvents, strong acids, and strong bases (5) . This chemical insensitivity permits Peeps to perform conservation tasks hazardous or fatal to other conservators. | |
Full immersion methods, however, do cause Peeps |
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Toning repair tissue poses no difficulty for Peep conservators, provided the desired shade is within a certain palate. | |
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Drying the paper with a heat gun or suction, however, is not recommended. |
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Peeps have shown particular abilities in toning mending paper with the more modern hues |
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The modern Peep conservator is up to date on emerging technologies in the conservation field and well-versed in the ethical standards of the profession. Here we see a Peep conservator performing before treatment photodocumentation. | |
Peeps are a fun group to work with and cheerfully |
 20,000 Leeks Under the Sea by Alison Kilman Winner: Least Edible Book |
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 Spamimal Farm by Fletcher Durant Winner: Best in Show |
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Many prejudices remain about Peeps, however, and they are frequently confronted with obstacles to their professional progress. |
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(1) Avery, Susan and Jennifer Masciadrelli. Peep Research: A Study of Small Fluffy Creatures and Library Usage. http://www.millikin.edu/staley/fluff/peep_research.html (accessed 4/1/2006)
(2) Emory University. Peeps, Smoking & Alcohol. http://www.peepresearch.org/smoking.html (accessed 4/1/2006)
(3) Walls, Bryan. Voyage of the Peep-o-nauts. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast01apr_1m.htm (accessed 4/1/2006)
(4) Peeping @ Marshmallow Peeps. http://peeps.dpcphoto.com/anatomy/index.html (accessed 4/1/2006)
(5) Emory University. Solubility Testing. http://www.peepresearch.org/solubility.html (accessed 4/1/2006)
For Peep resources, please consult the full Bibliography.
This project was conducted according to guidelines published by the University of Texas Institutional Review Board. In the course of the investigation, the researchers obtained information about the research participants through intervention and interaction and obtained identifiable private information. Under Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Public Welfare), the Department of Health and Human Services specifies in Part 46Q (Protection of Human Comestibles) that research participants be fully informed of the risks and benefits of their participation as detailed in 45 CFR 46Q.115(a)(6), 45 CFR 46Q.103(b)(4), and 45 CFR 46Q.103(b)(5). In accordance with this regulation and with the pertaining state and local laws governing food experimentation, an IRB Protocol was created for this project. Given the peculiar nature of the investigation, submission of this form to the University is pending.
No collections materials were harmed in the making of this publication.
