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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
of Verity, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-2600) of our reports dated June 21,
1996, except for Note 14 for which the date is July 12, 1996, on our audits of
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
Verity, Inc. as of May 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years ended May 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, which reports are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
San Jose, California
August 9, 1996