Linked literature spaces allow scholars to surf literature, enabling them to find and access not only a specific article but also a whole range of information contained in diverse articles. An important consequence of the creation of linked literature spaces is that information seeking becomes a horizontal rather than a vertical form of behavior. This enables researchers to find prevailing opinion more easily. Linked scientific literature spaces can thus hasten scientific consensus. A linked literature space also facilitates the identification of the lineage of an idea or concept.