@
brennansf - when you update the metadata the library database is updated and a copy of the changes are stored on the book folder (for database recovery purposes) - that's all.
When you plugin in your device, then providing calibre can 'see' it, the top toolbar should change to include Send to Device, and the column On Device should appear on the extreme left of the book list.
When a book is Sent to a device, or Saved to disk it will contain the current metadata from the database. If you want the book file in the library to be updated with current metadata, you can use the Embed Metadata feature, you will have to add it to one or more toolbars via Preferences->Toolbars.
IMO the best way to get up to speed with calibre is via the
Video Tutorials
As a general rule I do
not like video tutorials, loathe them more like; however, the calibre video's are an exception. Watch a segment, pause video, practice on test library - if you don't get it, rewind and repeat...
BR