Start your search the old fashioned way, using books and libraries. Many students of literature like to begin by seeing what books are housed in their local library. Most libraries now have an easy-to-use, electronic catalog that works much like an Internet search engine. A librarian can help you find the book you're looking for using the Dewey Decimal system. The next step is to search the Library of Congress online catalog. The world's largest library, the Library of Congress can give you a good idea on what books have been published on the topic. Once you find books that you want to read, you can request them from your local library via interlibrary loan, or purchase them at retail.
Many scholarly articles on English Renaissance literature have been published in academic, peer-reviewed journals that requires experts to approve articles before they are published. Consult some of the specialty journals, such as English Literary Renaissance, the Journal of Classic and English Renaissance Literature and Renaissance and Drama. It is often beneficial to search academic journals through a database, a search engine that hosts and catalogs journal articles from many publications. These usually require a fee, but schools often allow students to use them for free. Examples include EBSCO Host, JSTORE and Project Muse. The MLA Bibliography also offers a searchable list of the articles published in the field of English, literature and language, though you would have to request the full text from your library or interlibrary loan.
A number of universities or other sources maintain websites devoted to English Renaissance literature. For instance, the Shakespeare Resource Center has a number of resources where researchers can begin to study the playwright. Luminarium features information on 16th-century English renaissance literature. Although websites like these can be a source of good information, ensure that any websites you cite are credible before using them in a formal paper or assignment.
A number of special institutions have dedicated themselves to the study of English Renaissance literature. For instance, the Center for Reformation and Renaissance Studies features both a library and teaching center where students can find information on this subject.