How Library Names Work Within a SharePoint Site
Understanding the difference between library names and titles in SharePoint and how they affect migration.
Library Name vs Title
Original Library Name
• Set at creation time
• Never changes
• Visible in URL
• Used internally
Library Title
• Display name
• Can be changed
• Shown in UI
• User-friendly
Overview
SharePoint libraries have two distinct identifiers that can cause confusion, especially during migration. Understanding the difference between the Original Library Name and the Library Title is essential for successful migration operations.
Two Library Identifiers
Original Library Name
The Original Library Name is the permanent identifier set when the library is created. This name never changes and is visible in the Web Address (URL) of the library.
Where to find it: Look at the URL when browsing the library.
Library Title
The Library Title is the user-facing display name that can be modified after creation. This is what appears in the SharePoint interface and in Site Contents.
Where to find it: Site Contents → Library Settings → Name field
Why This Matters
Example
Sample URL
https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/SiteName/LibraryName/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Original Library Name
LibraryName
(from the URL)
Library Title
Library Rename
(display name, could differ)
In this example, even if the library is renamed to "Library Rename" in the settings, the URL will still show "LibraryName".
Migration Behavior
During migration operations, Cloudiway follows a specific process to identify libraries:
Search by Library Title
The system first attempts to locate the library by its display name (Library Title).
Fallback to Original Name
If not found by title, the system searches using the Web Address containing the Original Library Name.
Retrieve List ID
Once identified, the migration tool retrieves the List ID for Graph API operations.
Execute Migration
Microsoft restores the original Library Name during file and folder imports.