11 minute read
January 2021 Outcrop
RESOURCE LIBRARY REVITALIZATION
BY AMANDA KOHN
The Denver Earth Resources Library (DERL) first opened its doors January 2, 1987. This seemingly innocuous event opened the doors for independent explorers to set their careers in motion. The knowledge and opportunity found at the library gave ambitious explorers the tools needed to develop hundreds of plays, drill thousands of wells, and, in discovering new fields, generate billions in wealth. There are numerous stories of the library enriching people’s lives through data and connection. The example and anecdotes below just begin to document how DERL is invaluable to our community. the library houses original data with handwritten details, logs and well files that can not be found anywhere else and adds value in utilizing your connections!
Zane Kuenzler, current DERL Board President, made an unexpected discovery at the library with his partner Jake Flora. They were reviewing Eastern Colorado well files and found a handwritten mudlog with a notation that described six hundred feet of free oil in a DST. The zone had never been completed and the well was plugged with casing in place. Further research through plat books at the library revealed the mineral owner was a known colleague. A phone call was immediately made and the mineral owner gave them the lease for no bonus. The only provision was that if the well came on as a producer a $5,000 future payment would be required. The well was successfully recompleted in 2011 and has made approximately 50,000 barrels of oil to date.
We have historical production data for the Rockies, Midwest and Texas, among others.
The library can also claim responsibility for providing unique data for several prospects that led to discoveries of new fields in North Dakota and Colorado. Often well logs and files make their way to DERL without getting recorded bye the state or other entities, meaning that we have the only copy available! We are continually adding historic data to our collections, and new donations are now being recorded digitally. Examples of our exclusive data are numerous. A Denver operator discovered and scanned several thousand well logs in the DJ Basin that were not available through the COGCC or other data providers. Another operator was recently able to go through scout cards from the 1930’s to refine the oil column in an older field in Western Colorado. We also house Colorado production data back to the 1890’s, while the data online only dates to late 1990’s.
The stories that defined the success of the library began in 1980’s and easily could have happened in Oklahoma City or Houston, but they happened here! The library was named by many company leaders as a reason to keep an office in Denver. They knew there was an inherent need to be close to the physical data. DERL was formed by a forward-thinking committee of RMAG volunteers dedicated to keeping data collections in Denver and available to the industry. Having a centralized data location made the library a bustling industry hub! It was the place to be and where you could always find a roster of regulars ready to discuss the latest play and grab a drink. We still have groups of regulars that meet for coffee, and there is still a drink in a closet if you know where to look. I am looking forward to revitalizing the library, bringing us to the forefront of your technical discussions, providing software and data, and being the place where you can always find a friend to discuss the latest industry events.
Many can attest to the benefits of the strong network that was built around the library. The library was used as an office space for many, especially during industry dips when geologists needed access to affordable data and a desk away from home. Current membership also includes a ‘hot desk’, akin to the original WeWork concept, but with data and a knowledgeable industry network. The connections created at the library eventually developed into business partners and often lifelong friendships. Library members have shown up to support each other by unexpectedly attending at graduations and offering help throughout life’s events. There are many partnerships, prospects and success that have been made by DERL members. These positive connections are reasons to reach out to the library and share your stories. 2021 marks the start of a library history collection project. We would love to record your stories, successes and memories made at the library.
The pillars of Denver’s early geologic community, who were among the most innovative geologists, became the biggest patrons and benefactors of the library. They contributed not only critical financial backing but donated invaluable prospecting data and well files and provided mentoring. The library is working towards recognizing these individuals and preserving their stories, among our numerous data preservation projects.
Lots of nooks for working, and we have computers with dual monitors setup. Come grab a workspace today!
Our way of exploration has continually changed, but the role of oil and gas will remain prominent. DERL needs to evolve and grow with the ever-changing roles and responsibilities of the geoscientists and the technologies they need. The library met the needs of professionals in the 1980’s, but the role of the exploration geologist has seen an incredible shift, in both the technologies used and their way of working, as the shale revolution reduced the need for exploration. The horizontal drilling technologies dramatically changed the capital required to get involved in the industry. It forced many who were focused on low-cost vertical wells out of the now high-cost leases. As the economics for horizontal drilling change, intrepid explorers are venturing back into vertical drilling and recompletions. To become essential again to our members we must revitalize our organization. This means updating our microfiche machines, scanning, and computing equipment, and creating a digital data management system. We are redefining our mission, values, and strategic plan to better serve our community.
My goal is to further enrich the unique trove we have at the library. I feel fortunate to be in a position to help revitalize the library in re-establishing its role at the forefront of your technical discussions, providing software and data, and being the place where you can always find a friend to discuss the latest industry events. To achieve these goals, we are releasing a three-phase revitalization, bringing new life to the data we house and creating a new generation of successful geoscientists.
DERL has a complete set of scout ticket data for the Rockies and Kansas. The DST, IP and other data found on the cards offers an enormous insight into the well, even if it never became a producer.
Phase One will focus on renovating our current space, creating a community hub for our industry and those interested in earth sciences. We own a unique 13,000 sq. ft. space in the historic Equitable Building located at 17th and Stout. Downtown Denver has always served as the epicenter of oil and gas exploration for the West. This makes the library the ideal location for showing prospects, making deals, and meeting colleagues. We will solidify our status as an industry hub by creating a nearly 1,300 sq. ft. classroom and event space, along with expanding our current conference room. This will upgrade both rooms to today’s audio/visual standards.
This space will serve the library in a multitude of ways. First, it will diversify revenue streams. It will allow us to rent space to groups looking for an affordable workshop, luncheon, and happy hour space! We can bring in catering companies and we are working with several geologist-owned breweries to donate taps. Secondly, our event space will increase our exposure to the current generation of geologists. Many in the industry are not familiar with the hidden gems that lie within the data that cannot easily be accessed online.
The renovations are slated for completion in Q2 2021, just in time for everyone to get back to face-to-face meetings. You can follow all our updates on our LinkedIn page here and by signing up for our newsletter here.
Phase two will be our focus in 2022 but is already in the works. We are creating a digital catalog of our data and adding a map-based interface to our website. Digitizing is a daunting task considering the library includes several million data items. We will be focusing on curating our collections to maximize our most valuable and unique items, including well logs and production data that cannot be found through state websites or any data distributors. Many library patrons find that the details written by the original site geologist on our paper data provide insights that make a prospect.
While pioneering explorers have set themselves apart by discovering the hidden secrets of the library, we are working to make the collections easier to access. An interactive map of our collections is continually updated and can be found at derl.org. We are also upgrading our technologies and are partnering with software providers to offer petrophysical analysis along with advanced mapping tools. Pioneering startup software and data companies are working with the library to offer trial versions and advanced demonstrations of their products next year.
Our most heavily-used and antiqued equipment, the microfiche machines, are getting a state-of-theart refresh in January 2021. We will be adding a digital microfiche and tape reader. This new machine will be able to quickly scan our collection at high-resolution, creating files that can then be converted to searchable documents with the addition of OCR software. Users will also be able to scan and digitize well logs. This adds an immense value to our microfilm data.
Phase Three Saving our best for last, our most ambitious and by far most exciting project has us transforming an underutilized area of the library into an energy education and geology-focused museum. This will require extensive fundraising and developing partnerships with key leaders in our industry. A centrally located energy education and geology museum allows the library to further diversify our revenue streams, opens more options for granting opportunities and brings greater exposure to the library. The museum aims to attract school groups and tourists interested in geology and to educate the public about the benefits that oil and gas brings to everyday life. Our industry needs to continually reach out and provide energy education. A museum can help dispel myths surrounding our industry and provide a better perspective on the power that petroleum products have to change our way of living. I invite you to come to the library to discuss the museum plans, budget and how you can support this immense effort to bring energy education to our community.
PHASE 1: REBUILD
§ Equips the library with a spacious classroom and conference space, creating adaptive work-spaces
§ Diversifies our revenue streams and strengthens our financial position, through increased space utilization
Estimated Costs: $140,000
PHASE 2: RESTRUCTURE
§ Increase data accessibility via online databases, allowing for managed off-site downloads and purchase to a wider audience
§ Curate a unique data experience that showcases exploration history of the Rockies
Estimated Costs: ~$170,000
PHASE 3: REACH OUT
§ Develop an energy and geoscience education museum, with a dual focus on oil and gas exploration in the Rockies as well as geology nearby tourist destinations
Estimated Costs: ~$425,000
For more project details visit us at derl.org/revitalize
In the early 2000’s the library boasted more than 250 members. Currently we count fewer than 80 resilient explorers as members. The library will evolve to remain a vital hub within our industry, but evolution will not be enough without the strong support of our patrons and friends. We need individuals and companies to support our revitalization projects by committing to donations for each phase. The library will work with each contributor to recognize your gift in a way that is most beneficial and meaningful to you and your organization. Some options include sponsorships, marketing acknowledgements, and naming rights.
Few realize the use of the library is not limited to oil and gas exploration. Companies and universities are utilizing our data for ore deposit, uranium and helium exploration, geothermal evaluations, and research. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has utilized our well data for collection studies. The museum, as well as area universities, can utilize library data free of charge as we work to strengthen these mutually beneficial relationships. We are dedicated to providing data for all groups looking for earth science information.
1,300 Sq ft: Holds 50 students in classroom set up; Dual display screens and teaching podium
Data coverage is not limited to Colorado. We have extensive collections that cover the Rockies and Midwest. Our most utilized collections include Kansas and New Mexico. We also have reciprocal relationships with other log libraries and are looking to add digital subscription services in the future.
Looking ahead, we are offering several workshops in 2021. The first will focus on introducing prospecting to a new generation by covering the basics of data gathering to prospect generation and leasing. We will also be partnering to offer geothermal webinars. If there are other workshops you would like to explore, please reach out to Amanda Kohn.
DERL membership is $1,800 annually for an individual. This includes access to all data, technology and can serve as your hub while downtown. We offer amenities similar to a WeWork at about a third of the cost. (WeWork’s closest location charges over $4,500 annually for a hot desk.) Please join the library as a member in 2021!
Volunteers are always needed! We have a variety of projects to work on including database creation, social media marketing to researching antique books and maps. If you have time, we can put you to work!
Please consider donating to the library, as even small contributions will immediately help us work towards our larger goals! We need your support to continue to provide low-cost data and services. As you move or close offices contact the library regarding data donations. Your unique files can help others build fresh prospects.
We are always open to ideas and want your thoughts on how we can best serve our community. Please contact the library with suggestions. From subscriptions to workshops–let us know what you need or what you think we need. Contact me directly at akohn@derl.org or 303-825-5614–I’d love to meet with you! Thank you for your interest and support.
YOU CAN HELP! Contact Amanda Kohn for more information and to discuss how you can make a difference.
