What could it be?

I live in Eastern Kansas. I am retiring in two days from being a school librarian. As I was cleaning out things today at school, I saw a little creature in my library office. At first I thought is might be a worm of some sort, but then it scooted off and I saw legs! After looking at some images online, I think it might be a newt or salamander. It was brown and about 2 1/2 inches long. From what I saw of it, I think it's head may have been a little pointed. Of course it scooted off and I figured I wouldn't see it again. Then later this evening, I was moving some papers that were lying on the floor and there it was again. I was going to try to catch it in something so I could get it out of there, but it got away from me again. Any ideas on what it might be, why it would be inside the building, how I might find it again so I could get rid of it, etc?

Thanks to anyone who might be able to help me.

I was hoping for a quick reply from someone, but it is beginning to storm out, so I'll have to turn my computer off. Maybe I'll have a reply by tomorrow.

If it wasn't in a basement, it could have been a lizard. Salamanders tend to stick with where it's cool and damp, and don't do well on carpet. Also, if it "got away from you", chances are it's not a salamander. They don't move that fast.

Thanks. I'll do a little exploring on that route. Maybe I won't even see him(her) again!