Cannot shift from neutral to first is it a broken spring and what needs to be available for necessary repairs

Need to know more.
For example, do you mean the shifter pedal will not move, does it grind, can you do it with engine off, etc.?
The reason is because a clutch problem is far more likely.
And is verified if you can shift when engine is off.
But how is the fluid level?
How is the clutch pressure?

If it really is the shifter, it can be hard to fix.
The pedal rotates a series of ramps that move actual shift forks back and forth.
Then there are the actual synchronizer rings, etc.
And then it could be the bearings the gears ride on, essentially causing 2 gears at once if a bearing locks up.

But assume it is the simple stuff first.