Understanding What Triggers Site Assets Libraries To Be Re-Created In SharePoint

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As a SharePoint administrator managing a large Office 365 environment, encountering unexpected behavior can be a common challenge. One such issue is the automatic re-creation of Site Assets libraries after they have been deliberately deleted. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring the various triggers that cause SharePoint to regenerate these libraries. Understanding these triggers is crucial for effective SharePoint site management and preventing unwanted library re-creation.

This article is tailored for SharePoint administrators, site owners, and IT professionals who manage SharePoint Online environments and need to understand the behavior of Site Assets libraries. By understanding the reasons behind the automatic re-creation of these libraries, you can implement strategies to manage them effectively and avoid potential disruptions.

Before diving into the triggers, it's essential to understand the purpose and significance of Site Assets libraries in SharePoint. The Site Assets library is a special type of document library in SharePoint designed to store media files, such as images, audio, and video files, that are used across a site. These assets can be used in various parts of the site, including pages, web parts, and list views. This library serves as a central repository for site-wide assets, ensuring consistency and ease of management.

Key characteristics of the Site Assets library include:

  • Centralized Storage: It provides a single location for storing and managing media files.
  • Version Control: Like other document libraries, it supports versioning, allowing you to track changes and revert to previous versions.
  • Content Delivery Network (CDN) Integration: The Site Assets library can be integrated with a CDN for efficient delivery of media files, improving site performance.
  • Default Library: It is automatically created when a new site is provisioned in SharePoint.

Now, let’s explore the common triggers that cause Site Assets libraries to be re-created after deletion. Understanding these triggers is vital for preventing unwanted library regeneration and maintaining a clean SharePoint environment.

Feature Activation

One of the primary triggers for the re-creation of Site Assets libraries is the activation of certain SharePoint features. SharePoint features are specific functionalities that can be enabled or disabled at the site or site collection level. Some features, when activated, automatically provision the Site Assets library if it doesn't already exist. This ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place for the feature to function correctly.

For instance, features like the Publishing Infrastructure and Publishing feature at the site collection and site levels, respectively, are known to trigger the re-creation of the Site Assets library. These features are designed to support content publishing workflows and rely on the Site Assets library for storing media files and other assets used in publishing pages and articles. When these features are activated, SharePoint checks for the presence of the Site Assets library and, if it's missing, automatically re-creates it.

To prevent the re-creation of the Site Assets library due to feature activation, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the features enabled on your sites and site collections. If a feature that triggers library re-creation is not required, consider deactivating it. However, before deactivating any feature, ensure that it does not impact other critical functionalities on the site.

SharePoint Updates and Maintenance

Another trigger for the re-creation of Site Assets libraries is SharePoint updates and maintenance activities. Microsoft regularly updates SharePoint Online to introduce new features, improvements, and security patches. During these updates, SharePoint may perform maintenance tasks that involve checking the integrity of site structures and ensuring that all necessary components are in place. If the Site Assets library is missing during this process, SharePoint may automatically re-create it to maintain the site's integrity.

SharePoint maintenance activities are designed to keep the platform running smoothly and efficiently. These activities often involve verifying the existence of critical libraries and components. If a Site Assets library has been deleted, the maintenance process may detect its absence and trigger its re-creation. This behavior is intended to prevent potential issues that may arise from missing libraries, such as broken links and non-functional features.

To mitigate the impact of updates and maintenance on Site Assets libraries, it is advisable to communicate planned maintenance windows to site owners and users. This will help them understand why the library may reappear and prevent confusion or concern. Additionally, consider implementing a process for managing and archiving unused assets in the Site Assets library to reduce its size and complexity. This can help minimize the likelihood of issues during updates and maintenance.

Template Application

Applying site templates can also trigger the re-creation of Site Assets libraries. Site templates are pre-configured site designs that include specific lists, libraries, web parts, and settings. When a template is applied to a site, SharePoint provisions the components defined in the template, including the Site Assets library if it is part of the template definition. This ensures that the site is set up according to the template's specifications.

Site templates are commonly used to create consistent site structures across an organization. They provide a standardized approach to site provisioning, making it easier to manage and maintain SharePoint environments. However, if a template includes the Site Assets library and is applied to a site where the library has been deleted, SharePoint will re-create the library as part of the template application process.

To avoid unwanted re-creation of Site Assets libraries when applying templates, carefully review the template definitions and ensure they align with your site's requirements. If the Site Assets library is not needed, consider modifying the template to exclude it. Alternatively, you can create custom site designs that do not include the library. This will give you greater control over the site provisioning process and prevent unnecessary library re-creation.

Code Deployment

Custom code deployments, such as SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web parts and solutions, can also trigger the re-creation of Site Assets libraries. SPFx is a modern client-side development framework for building SharePoint customizations. When SPFx solutions are deployed, they may include components that rely on the Site Assets library for storing assets like images, scripts, and stylesheets. If the library is missing, the deployment process may automatically re-create it to ensure the solution functions correctly.

SPFx solutions are often used to extend SharePoint's functionality and customize the user experience. These solutions can include various components, such as web parts, extensions, and adaptive card extensions. If any of these components require the Site Assets library, the deployment process will check for its existence and re-create it if necessary.

To prevent the re-creation of Site Assets libraries during code deployments, thoroughly review the dependencies of your SPFx solutions. If the Site Assets library is not essential for the solution's functionality, consider modifying the code to use alternative storage locations, such as a dedicated document library or a CDN. Additionally, ensure that your deployment scripts and processes include checks to avoid re-creating the library unnecessarily.

Effectively managing Site Assets libraries is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient SharePoint environment. Here are some best practices to follow:

  • Regularly Review and Clean Up: Periodically review the contents of your Site Assets libraries and remove any unused or outdated assets. This will help reduce the library's size and complexity, making it easier to manage.
  • Implement Versioning: Enable versioning in your Site Assets libraries to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. This can be especially useful for managing images and other media files that may be updated frequently.
  • Use Folders for Organization: Organize assets within the library using folders. This will make it easier to find and manage files, especially in large libraries.
  • Apply Metadata: Add metadata to your assets to provide additional context and improve searchability. Metadata can include information such as the asset's purpose, author, and creation date.
  • Monitor Library Usage: Keep an eye on the usage of your Site Assets libraries to identify any potential issues or areas for improvement. SharePoint provides analytics and reporting tools that can help you track library activity.

In conclusion, the re-creation of Site Assets libraries in SharePoint can be triggered by various factors, including feature activation, SharePoint updates and maintenance, template application, and code deployment. Understanding these triggers is essential for effective SharePoint site management and preventing unwanted library regeneration. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can manage your Site Assets libraries effectively and maintain a clean and efficient SharePoint environment. Remember to carefully evaluate the features enabled on your sites, review template definitions, and thoroughly assess the dependencies of your custom code deployments. By taking these steps, you can minimize the likelihood of Site Assets library re-creation and ensure your SharePoint environment remains organized and manageable.

By implementing these strategies, SharePoint administrators can maintain a clean and efficient environment, preventing the unexpected re-creation of Site Assets libraries and ensuring optimal site performance.

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