After becoming the new dean of the Sacramento State University Library on March 2, Amy Kautzman has set eyes on receiving funds for a new library.

“We are coming from a period of little to no money,” said Kautzman. “We’re trying to build services that support students. We’re moving from a 19th century structure and we want to move into a 21st century library structure.”

Kautzman said she wants to work with other CSU institutions to provide better resources to students. This includes improvement in the inter-library loan system, which allows students to borrow books from other library systems.

Although Kautzman intends to see improvement in the library, she said it is too early for her to be specific with intentions since she recently started in her position. One method she did mention was to utilize “maker spaces,” or a collaborative space for hosting events.

“We could look at partnering more assertively with our schools and faculty,” said Kautzman. “Some people are making maker spaces in the library.”

Kautzman praised the University of Nevada, Reno’s library for partnering with its engineering department to provide maker spaces that cultivate actions, teamwork, and creation.

“The building needs to be remodeled,” said Kautzman. “The building needs to be focused on students. Right now I’m partnering with campus development. I’ve been in conversation with the vice provost.”

Kautzman said it might take decades for the new library to be built, but she does not expect funding to come out of students’ tuitions or fees, instead wanting to see most of the money come from donations, alumni and other generous groups.

“I am a first-generation student myself,” said Kautzman. “I had to struggle to make it through college money-wise. I’ve always had a soft place in my heart for CSU system.”

Kautzman used President Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns as an analogy: the president was able to amass large sums not from huge funding but from millions of individual donations.

“Every student should be thinking about charitable giving. It’s what we do in a civilized world,” said Kautzman.

Among Kautzman’s goals for the library are seeing the escalators removed and new elevators built instead, along with her office situated on the first floor so she could see more student interaction.

“I want to create an open and warm environment,” said Kautzman.

Mike Breda, 31, a business administration major who frequently uses the library said he is not up for a brand new building. He does not believe money alone would come from donations.

“It’s just a waste of money,” said Breda. “That would raise tuition costs. The AIRC [Academic Information Resource Center] was a good example of it. As soon as the AIRC got done, students got a fee increase of $50 or $60 each semester.”

While not agreeing on a new building, Breda said he is OK with upgrades on the pre-existing building since it is aged.

“It should look more modern,” said Breda. “It needs to be more updated and more modern. It has that vibe from the 60s.”

Kautzman said she could relate to first-generation students and students struggling financially.

“I didn’t know if I had the chops to succeed,” said Kautzman. “This is the job I’ve been working towards my entire life. This is my passion.”

Janet Hecsh, an assistant to the library dean, was the administrator in charge of the library during the search process for a new dean. She called Kautzman a “fabulous person.”

“I believe that she brings an energy and a vision to the library that will leverage all the potential the library has into a focus on students’ success,” said Hecsh.

Kautzman earned her bachelor’s degree in literature from the University of Maryland, Twin Cities Campus. She also earned a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College in Boston, and literature from Northeastern University.