EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  registration  statement of
Zitel  Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated October 25, 1995,  except for
the note entitled  "Subsequent Event" to which the date is November 17, 1995, on
our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements  and financial  statement
schedule of Zitel  Corporation  as of September  30, 1995 and 1994,  and for the
years ended September 30, 1995, and 1993, which report is included in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K.






                                              /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.






San Jose, California
March 26, 1996