EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


        As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the 
incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K into the Company's 
previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 relating to the 1986 
Long-Term Incentive Plan of Norstan, Inc. (Registration Nos. 33-30323 and 
33-72928), the 1990 Employee Stock Purchase and Bonus Plan of Norstan, Inc. 
(Registration Nos. 33-32310, 33-44470 and 33-72926), the 1995 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan of Norstan, Inc. (Registration No. 33-62957), and the Restated 
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan of Norstan, Inc. (Registration No. 
33-62971).



                                                 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
  July 23, 1997


                                       49