The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a Smithsonian affiliate, and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

It is considered to be one of the finest, most respected botanical libraries in the United States, with many scientists from all over the world coming to visit the numerous collections.

[4] The library is primarily a research tool and reference for scientists and horticulturalists, along with amateur plant enthusiasts.

Selbyana, published since 1975, is a peer-reviewed scientific journal issued twice a year, focusing on research on canopy biology and tropical plants, especially epiphytes.

In 2018 the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation in Sarasota, Florida, announced that it had awarded a $2 million grant to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, in support of its greening-focused master plan and sustainability going forward.