EXHIBIT 23.1

            CONSENT OF COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P., INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                           
                                           
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement 
of Zitel Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. __________) of our reports dated 
October 24, 1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and 
financial statement schedules of Zitel Corporation as of September 30, 1996 
and 1995, and for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, 
appearing in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent 
to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."
                                           
                                           
                                       s/Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


San Jose, California
July 15, 1997