Materials donations to our collection

Donating Materials to the Denver Earth Resources Library

The Denver Earth Resources Library (DERL) serves as a long-term archive and research hub for geoscience information supporting the Rocky Mountain energy and mining communities. We welcome donations that strengthen our collection of geological, geophysical, engineering, and industry-related materials.

Our focus is on preserving unique or hard-to-find subsurface and exploration data that benefit researchers, companies, and the broader earth science community.

What We Accept

DERL is interested in acquiring materials that enhance our regional and historical understanding of subsurface resources, including:

  • Unique subsurface data
    – Well files
    – Well logs not available through public or commercial sources
    – Historic proprietary studies
    – Prospect files
    – Aesthetically significant or hand-drawn maps

  • Technical reports and studies produced by companies, consultants, or regional working groups

  • Geologic and geophysical publications, including out-of-print or difficult-to-obtain periodicals

  • Corporate or organizational records documenting regional exploration history

  • Books or reference works related to geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, petroleum systems, or regional stratigraphy

  • Occasionally we accept other items of geologic significance, including rocks, research tools, artwork or other items. Materials are reviewed individually for acceptance into the collection. 

What We Cannot Accept

To maintain the integrity and usability of our collection, DERL cannot accept:

  • Materials unrelated to geology, geophysics, energy resources, mining, or subsurface exploration

  • Items in poor physical condition (mold, heavy damage, or unusable media)

  • Duplicate materials already held in our collection, unless needed as replacement

How to Propose a Donation

To ensure that donations align with DERL’s mission and can be properly preserved, all potential gifts must be reviewed before they are delivered.

To begin the process, please submit a written description or list of the materials you wish to donate, including:

  • Donor name and contact information

  • Type(s) of material (well files, logs, maps, books, reports, studies, etc.)

  • An itemized list, including:
    – Titles, authors, or project names
    – Approximate dates
    – Geographic areas or basins represented
    – Statement confirming your ownership of the materials

Our collections staff will review the list to determine what can be accepted into the archive. You will receive a confirmation of the items DERL is able to take. At that point, we will ask for a brief signed letter confirming your intent to donate.

Please do not deliver or ship materials before receiving approval.

Tax Information

DERL can provide a written acknowledgment of donated materials. However, we are unable to appraise the monetary value of gifts. Donors seeking a tax deduction should consult a tax professional or refer to IRS guidelines.

Thank You

Our collections have been strengthened for decades by industry professionals, companies, and families who preserve the geological history of the Rocky Mountain region through their donations.

To discuss a potential donation, please contact:
Denver Earth Resources Library
data@derl.org
303-825-5614

 

Donate Here