I have been an ACM and IEEE member for several decades. Over the years the journals and transactions I subscribe to have changed along with my professional focus. I find that the quality of articles is generally higher than what you can find by random searching on the internet.

Several HNers have commented on the high cost of membership. I agree that that at times I have been tempted to cancel my memberships. But it is a tax deductible expense and in most professions the membership fees for their respective bodies is comparable.