I can confirm Lied Library doesn't slap you with subscription fees just to access their resources. That said, there's nuance depending on what you're after. Their general collection—books, study spaces, basic databases—is free for students and locals, which feels like stumbling upon a treasure chest in a desert.
But here's where it gets interesting: some premium research databases or interlibrary loan services might have paywalls, especially for non-affiliated users. It's like getting free appetizers but paying for the main course. The library's website clearly outlines these tiers, though, so no nasty surprises. I once needed a rare academic journal they didn't own, and the loan fee was still cheaper than buying it outright. Pro tip: check if your school or employer has partnerships—sometimes that unlocks the paid stuff for free.