Converting albums to AAC version and deleting original version from my library

Hello

I am in the process of copying all my albums on tape to my ITunes library and from there to my Ipod. The tapes when recorded onto my computer are in WMA format and that is how they are imported to my library. When these are transferred to my Ipod in this format they are using up a lot of memory. I have changed the import settings to AAC format but this does not seem to be working. When importing them to my library all I can do is use file>add folder to library. This locates the album on my computer but all it does is copy it to the library, it does not 'import' it.

I know I can create a copy of each track in my library to AAC format but this will take a lot of time and even if I do I am left with two versions of each track in the library and unable to identify which is the WMA version to delete.

What I am looking for is the procedure to 'import' the albums from my computer, through the 'import' system that will automatically place them into my library in the AAC format. These can then be transferred in the AAC format to my Ipod using up much less memory.

Hello Jim

So I am unable to convert a complete album I have loaded onto my computer to AAC format when adding it to my library meaning I have to convert each individual track. Wow, this could take a long time with literally thousands of tracks to import.

Your advice re: creating playlists. Forgive my ignorance, but how do I create a smart playlist?

George