Use a magnet to tell steel from aluminum, if thay are rusty thay are steel. Grab the world sport for $10 thay came with aloy wheels and some good mid level parts.
That world tourist with the books on it. I would look at that like its a $50 brooks with a free bike attached and the weels sould be useable.
Changing the cassette on the back wheel isnt hard but it does take a special tool. I go to the local bike shop when I need one removed. Cost $1. New one just screws on.