Metadata is crucial to the successful compilation, distribution and implementation of geospatial data sets.  This half-day workshop provides an introduction to readers new to metadata and additional tools and resources for those already familiar with it.  "What is metadata?  Why do I need it?  What does it look like?  How can I practically produce it?"  Participants should find answers to these and other pertinent questions.  Numerous metadata guides exist already, on the internet and elsewhere, and metadata authors should take advantage of these publications.  The focus of this workshop is a practical approach to what can be a dense, sometimes opaque subject.