I used to be a member of IEEE. But unlike ACM where you can buy unlimited access to the digital library and SEG where it comes with membership, IEEE has literature access charges for members which is simply unaffordable.
From the IEEE web site:
"IEEE members receive a discounted price of US$13 on single IEEE article purchases made through IEEE Xplore. Articles from partner publishers are US$33 per article."
or if you prefer volume pricing:
"Access all the IEEE content you need to explore ideas and develop better technology with 25 article downloads every calendar month for just US$44.00 per month. Plus, roll over up to 10 unused downloads into the following month for a maximum of 35 downloads."
That's not my experience. I'm a member of IEEE and MTT society for example and have free access to all the products included in the MTT society membership:
IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Membership
Included products
- Lightwave Technology, Journal of
Format:Electronic
- Microwave Magazine, IEEE
Format:Electronic, Print, Digital
- Microwave Theory and Techniques Conference Digital Library, IEEE
Format:Electronic
- RFIC Virtual Journal, IEEE
Format:Electronic
- RFID Virtual Journal, IEEE
Format:Electronic
- Terahertz Science and Technology, IEEE Transactions on
Format:Electronic
- Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, IEEE
Format:Electronic
- Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on
Format:Electronic
- Multiscale and Multiphysics Computational Techniques, IEEE Journal of
Format:Electronic
- Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology, IEEE Journal of
Format:Electronic
I can download full text pdf of any paper included in the above list that has Format:electronic. I don't pay any additional charge. I think those charges only apply if you are downloading papers not included in the societies that you have included in your membership.