Preserving the digital web: conversations with a digital curator

What happens when websites disappear? Ben Els, Digital Curator for the Luxembourg Web Archive, guides us through the fascinating and vital world of digital preservation. Contrary to popular belief, online information is highly vulnerable to being lost forever as websites change or vanish completely. "Information online is much more ephemeral, much more in danger of being lost," Ben explains, highlighting why his work at the National Library of Luxembourg is so crucial.

The Luxembourg Web Archive creates exact copies of websites, preserving both content and user experience for future generations. From daily captures of news media to special collections documenting significant events like elections and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben's team works to ensure Luxembourg's digital heritage remains accessible. Surprisingly, this massive undertaking is managed by just two people – a staffing level typical for national web archiving initiatives worldwide. "Whole continents are not covered," Ben notes, revealing the concerning global gaps in digital preservation efforts.

Ben's journey to this specialized role reveals valuable insights for students and career-seekers. After reluctantly attending the University of Luxembourg, he discovered unexpected benefits in its smaller, more personal environment. His path through German literature studies, a master's degree in Potsdam, and internships at cultural institutions demonstrates how following genuine interests rather than fixed career plans can lead to fulfilling professional opportunities. 

----

For those interested in exploring this field, the National Library offers student positions, vacation jobs, and internships across various departments. 

Interested in signing up for the Bachelor en Cultures Européennes?

Visit the website : bce.uni.lu
Applications are open from February until the 25 of June 2025.

If you have any specific questions regarding this Bachelor, please contact: bce.office@uni.lu

---