If you're looking for scholarly studies of Italian history, literature or culture, start with the library catalog (Cameo) and databases such as MLA (language & literature), LLBA (linguistics), Historical Abstracts, Google Scholar, full-text journal collections such as JSTOR and Project Muse, or reference works such as Oxford Art Online, Literature Resource Center, and Oxford Music Online.
Many masterworks of Italian literature, primary source documents, and images of Italian art and architecture can be found at websites such as these: