First click the SITE ACTIONS button at the top right of your screen and select CREATE. You are then taken to the create page where you are given options as to what you want to create. Many templates are available and as you hover over each selection a description appears above.
Each of the choices lead to a different screen that has different options based on your choice. I’ll select a picture library for now. Now name the library, as well as give it a description. Then you are given the choice to display this library on the Quick Launch bar which allows for easy access. The next option is new to Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 and allows the library to receive e-mails. You can assign the library its own e-mail and then mail it pictures which will be added automatically. The last option on this page is to enable versioning; this means that every time a file is updated it gets a new version number. When you are done, click CREATE.
After creating a list or library, most likely you will want to customize it. We’ll start off by adding new columns. From the list or library, select SETTINGS and then CREATE COLUMN. This will allow you to add new fields of data for each item in the list or library.
First name the column, then you are given choices to decide what type of data you want stored in the column. All choices have an option that will allow you to require that the column contains information, but each choice here brings about different options in the Additional Column Settings section down below. For instance, if you select “Choice (menu to choose from)”, you are able to preset what can be in the column. I labeled my column Department and for choices I filled in Marketing, Development, and Human Resources. So, unless I “Allow ‘Fill-in’ choices” a person adding an item to this library can only select one of those three choices. When you are done click OK and the column will have been added to the library.
The next way to customize your list or library is to create a view. This will help to keep large lists or libraries organized. First select SETTINGS and then CREATE VIEW.
You are then given five choices as to what type of view you would like to create; we will go with a Standard View. There are eleven sections to edit for a standard view.
Name - First you will name the view, and then you have the option to make it the default view that will be seen every time the library is accessed.
Audience - Then select whether the view is just for your use or for the public.
Columns – This section allows you to choose what columns should be shown, as well as the order they should appear in.
Sort – You can choose up to two columns that the view will sort in either ascending or descending order.
Filter – This will allow you to only have certain items shown when they meet your specifications.
Group By – This is useful for putting like documents together. Collapsing the groups by default makes it easier to find the item you are looking for rather than scrolling through a long list.
Totals – This will display the total for any columns you select.
Style – Even more customization options, for instance, the Preview Pane will allow you to see all the details of the item when you scroll over it.
Folders – This lets you choose whether to view all items or navigate through folders.
Item Limit – This item is useful if you would like to display a limited number of files so it will take up less room visually.
Mobile – This option makes this view for mobile devices.