Teams Assignment Resources

Question

We have Communication sharePoint sites already set up for department resources. We are setting up Teams for our classes and when setting an assignment we would like to add a resource from the existing communication site. We can see how to add an existing sharepoint document library to the team and it is added to the files but it does not appear in the resources when setting an assignment. Can this be done? If so, how? Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi IpkissEB,

Thank you for clarifying the issue.

In Files tab, we can select SharePoint to add a cloud storage service to access document library from different site.

When we add a library from different site, it just a creates a place holder in Files tab, the files are not actually moved in, files are still in its original location. This way, we get an easy access on the files so we can share, collaborate on content with others who have permission to the original folder.

Now, when we create an assignment in class team and select Add a resource and select Teams, it will only show the files which belongs to the team itself, since the library added from another site is still in its original location, it’s file will not appear at the point.

If you want to add file as a resource in assignment, you must select actual team in which file is originally stored. If it’s a team site, it will appear in Teams tab when we click **Add a resource,**if it’s a communication site, it will not appear, as communication sites are not associated with Teams. Sorry to deliver this news.

There are some differences in Team site and communication site. Communication sites are used when you want to "broadcast" a message, tell a story, share content for viewing (but not editing) to a large audience or the entire organization, or showcase services or people. Team site is used when you want to create a place where the members of a work group or project team can collaborate on project deliverables, plan an event, track status, or exchange ideas.

You can learn more about it from the following article.

Team Site vs. Communication Site: Which one should I choose?

As you have a communication site, it will not appear in Teams tab when trying to add a resources as explained above. If you have few files to be added to the assignment, please consider downloading these files on your local computer, and then select Upload from this device option (refer screenshot in my last post).

I hope this clarifies the scenario. If you have any doubt, please don’t hesitate to post back.

With Sincerest Regards,

Neha

Answer 2

Hi

I would like to add a document library from another Sharepoint site. I have managed to add it to the team and it shows up in the files area as you can see below but not in the add resource section of the assignment. See my second picture.

I hope that makes sense. I don't want to move all the resources from the existing SharePoint to the team because at the end of the academic year it will need moving again for the next team.

Many thanks

Liz.

[PII Masked by MSFT Moderator]

Answer 3

Hi IpkissEB,

Did you check above reply? Please update us when you have time.

Regards,

Neha

Answer 4

Hi IpkissEB,

When you say “we are setting up Teams for our classes and when setting an assignment we would like to add a resource from the existing communication site”, I understand that you have a communication site and a class team. In class team you are creating an assignment and want to attach a document from communication site as a resource. Correct?

When we create an assignment in class team and select Add a resource, we get an option to add a document from OneDrive, computer, Class notebook, link, create a blank or from existing Teams. Since communication site is not attached to any team, it will not appear when we select Teams and this is the reason it would not be possible to attach a document as a resource which is residing in communication site. The only way I see to attach a document from communication site is by downloading it to local computer and then attach the file by selecting Upload from this device option at the bottom of the screenshot below.

Regarding “*We can see how to add an existing SharePoint document library to the team and it is added to the files but it does not appear in the resources when setting an assignment”,*may I know how you are trying to add the file? Are you trying to add the file from the same class team or a different site? Also please confirm how you added existing library to your team. This information will help us understand your scenario and will give us chance to help you efficiently.

When we select Teams option from the above screenshot, we see the files which we share in our group chat or upload directly to Files tab in teams whether it is in General or added channel. If we add a custom library as an addition tab in a team, then the file stored in this library will not appear when adding a resource in assignment, only files appearing in Files tab in General and additional channel will appear.

Please correct me if is misunderstood the case. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Regards,

Neha