There is an emerging global movement among libraries and other knowledge organizations around open metadata–metadata that is free to access and to reuse, unencumbered by copyright, contract, or licensing restrictions.This session will outline key concepts and explain the importance of open metadata for the research, education, and cultural heritage sectors. Drawing on real life examples, it will present theoretical, legal, and practical considerations relevant to opening our metadata environment. These include examining the function of metadata in the current information services landscape; addressing common questions around copyright and contracts; and exploring the economics of creating and sustaining an open metadata ecosystem. The session will conclude by outlining concrete steps participants can take in the open metadata space.