This column is dedicated to issues and answers for the new generation of librarians. Inspired by the ideas sparked by the NEXGENLIB-L discussion list launched in 2003 by Christine Borne, NextGen will grapple with the problems and ideas new librarians face every day, issues often marginalized in library literature. Though many columns, including this inaugural one, may revolve around the particular concerns of younger librarians, NextGen also spotlights the coming leaders of the library world, no matter their age today. This inaugural article discusses specific facts that new professionals should be aware of.