Legal Literacy and Institutional Barriers to the Digital Transformation of Libraries in Kazakhstan: A Comparative Study of Academic and Public Libraries

Digital transformation of libraries is a key driver of the development of scholarly communication, open access, and knowledge management; however, its sustainability largely depends on institutional and legal conditions. This study examines the level of legal literacy among library professionals and the institutional barriers affecting the digital transformation of academic and public libraries in the Republic of Kazakhstan. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining a quantitative online survey of library professionals with a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses provided by library managers. The findings indicate that, despite a relatively high level of basic digital skills, legal literacy related to copyright, licensing, and open access remains insufficiently institutionalized. Significant differences were identified between academic and public libraries, reflecting variations in their institutional missions and managerial priorities. Based on the interpretation of empirical results and their comparison with international literature, the study proposes a conceptual model of digital–legal transformation of libraries that integrates digital competencies, legal literacy, and institutional support mechanisms. Additionally, a phased roadmap is developed to support the sustainable implementation of open-access practices and the development of institutional repositories within a nascent open science ecosystem. The study’s results inform the development of institutional digital strategies for libraries and contribute to the design of professional development programs for library staff.