Such access enables students and professors to use information and content provided by the college or university itself, and to use the vast amount of research resources and other information available on the Internet worldwide. Such access is especially important, for example, to any corporation involved in scientific or medical research or manufacturing to enable corporate employees to exchange information and ideas with academic researchers in their fields. Individuals who lack access to the Internet through their schools or employers still have a variety of ways they can access the Internet. Individuals typically can access free-nets at little or no cost via modem connection or by using computers available in community buildings. Individuals can also access the Internet through many local libraries.
Libraries often offer patrons use of computers that are linked to the Internet.
In addition, some libraries offer telephone modem access to the libraries' computers, which are themselves connected to the Internet. Increasingly, patrons are using library services and resources without ever physically entering the library itself. Such direct or modem access is typically provided by libraries at no cost to the individual user. Such Internet access is typically provided by the shop for a small hourly fee. Some Internet service providers, however, are non-profit organizations that offer free or very low cost access to the Internet.