Final answer:
Choosing whether to associate a template with a document library or a content type depends on the need for flexibility and reusability. Doc libraries are simpler, but content types offer reusable templates across multiple libraries with consistent metadata management.
Step-by-step explanation:
When deciding whether it is better to associate a template with a document library or a content type, it depends on the level of granularity and reusability you require. Associating a template with a doc library allows for a more straightforward setup where all documents in the library are created based on the same template. This is suitable if all documents share a common structure and you don't need much flexibility.
On the other hand, associating a template with a content type allows for greater flexibility. Content types can be reused across different libraries and sites, and you can manage metadata and policies consistently. If you anticipate a need to use the same template structure across various locations or with different sets of metadata, using a content type would be the better option.